NEW YORK (AP) - Bassist Charlie Haden, who helped change the shape of jazz a half-century ago as a member of the groundbreaking Ornette Coleman Quartet, has died. He was 76.
Haden, who had in recent years suffered from post-polio syndrome, died Friday in Los Angeles from the prolonged illness. Tina Pelikan of ECM Records says Haden's wife and children were by his side.
Haden performed as a child with the Haden Family band, touring the Midwest country circuit. But polio weakened his vocal cords and ended his singing career at age 15, leading him to turn to the bass.
He went on to release successful albums and win Grammy Awards. Haden was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2012.
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