Gil Evans

Born in 1912, Gil Evans was a Canadian performer, arranger and composer of jazz music. He played a key role in the evolution of cool jazz, particularly in his role as an arranger, expanding established big band line ups with unconventional combinations of instruments. Evans worked together with icons such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Gerry Mulligan. Both during and after his lifetime, his musical achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, five Grammy Awards and the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame. Evans died aged 75 in Cuernavaca, Mexico.