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Buddy DeFranco | Jazz clarinetist, 91

Renowned jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, 91 - who collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and other top singers and musicians of his era - died Wednesday at a hospital in Panama City, Fla. His wife, Joyce, said he had been in declining health in recent years.

Renowned jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, 91 - who collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and other top singers and musicians of his era - died Wednesday at a hospital in Panama City, Fla. His wife, Joyce, said he had been in declining health in recent years.

Mr. DeFranco performed for 75 years at venues around the world and recorded with musicians including Sinatra, Holliday, Art Tatum, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and later named a Living Jazz Legend in a Kennedy Center ceremony.

Mr. DeFranco was recognized 16 times with the Playboy All-Star award for top jazz clarinetist in the world. - AP