Frank Morgan Dies

Alto Saxophonist Frank Morgan, 73, died at his home in Minneapolis of colon cancer December 14th. Along with praise from critics that he was the "next Charlie Parker," he also fell into the saxophonist legend’s pattern of heroin abuse.

In 1955 he released Introducing Frank Morgan, and then spent the next 30 years in and out of jail for drug-related offenses, according to the Los Angeles Times.

After serving his time and playing in prison bands, he made his comeback in 1985 by performing in "Prison-Made Tuxedos," an off-Broadway play based partly on his life. Morgan then released at least 20 albums, including 2007’s A Night in the Life. He played his last show days before he died.