Hiromi, George Wein
NEW YORK (AP) — George Wein, one of the great impresarios of 20th century music who helped found the Newport jazz and folk festivals and set the template for gatherings everywhere from Woodstock to the south of France, has died at the age of 95.
A family spokesperson says Wein died “peacefully in his sleep” Monday in his New York City apartment.
It is with immense sadness that we let you know of the passing of our founder and north star, George Wein. We have all lost a giant champion of jazz, art, philanthropy, and equality. There will never be another like him. Rest easy, George. #georgewein https://t.co/1AMOzOtq86 pic.twitter.com/8NEGu0Wc19
— Newport Folk Fest (@Newportfolkfest) September 13, 2021
A former jazz club owner and aspiring pianist, Wein launched the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954 with a lineup for the heavens: Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Lester Young. Wein led the festival for more than 50 years.
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