Benny Morton; Jazz Trombone Stylist

Henry S. (Benny) Morton, whose trombone was heard in bands ranging from Fletcher Henderson’s in 1927 to Benny Carter’s, Count Basie’s and Teddy Wilson’s in the 1940s and ‘50s, has died of pneumonia in New York City.

He was 78 when he died Saturday.

“The Encyclopedia of Jazz” refers to Morton as “one of the most personal trombone stylists, with a vibrant intense jazz solo talent.” He worked often with pit bands in such Broadway shows as “Guys and Dolls,” “Silk Stockings,” “Jamaica” and others and recorded with Buck Clayton, Ruby Braff, Roy Eldridge, Eddie Condon and Basie.