Jim Hall, jazz guitarist of modern era who influenced younger musicians, dies at 83

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Jim Hall, one of the leading jazz guitarists of the modern era whose subtle, mellow style of playing strongly influenced younger proteges such as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell, has died at age 83.

His wife of 48 years, Jane Hall, says he died early Tuesday in his sleep at his Manhattan apartment after a short illness.

Hall in 2004 became the first of the modern jazz guitarists to be named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, the nation’s highest jazz honour.

Hall was known for his duo and small group recordings with some of the greatest names in jazz during the past 60 years, including saxophonists Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman and Paul Desmond, pianists Bill Evans and Jimmy Giuffre and bassist Ron Carter.