RIP Johnny Griffin

Three months and one day after his 80th birthday, jazz legend and “World’s Fastest Saxophonist” Johnny Griffin died at home in France this morning.

Griffin, who emigrated to Europe in 1963, made his reputation in the bands of Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, and Kenny Clarke, and as a leader is best known for the 1957 Blue Note LP A Blowin’ Session with fellow saxophonists John Coltrane and Hank Mobley.

The New York Times Online has posted Ben Ratliff’s obituary for Griffin as it will appear in tomorrow’s print edition.