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American jazz saxophonist and composer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.Born in Newark, New Jersey. Studied music at New York University. Key member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (1959-1964), Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet (1964-1970), and co-founder of Weather Report (1970-1986). Prolific solo artist and composer. Won 12 Grammy Awards. Continued performing and composing with his acclaimed quartet until his death.

• Shorter's young daughter died tragically in 1985; this profound loss led him to explore Buddhism and deeply influenced his later philosophical and compositional outlook.
• His compositions often featured complex harmonies and structures, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as classical music, science fiction, and philosophy, earning him the nickname 'the Newarker' (from Newark).
• In his later decades, Shorter became known for profound spoken insights during concerts, discussing themes of improvisation as life metaphor, human connection, and the nature of the universe.
• He co-founded the supergroup Mega Nova with Carlos Santana and Herbie Hancock, performing sporadically in the 2010s.
• Shorter died peacefully at a Los Angeles hospital at age 89, with his family by his side; no specific cause beyond natural causes was publicly detailed.