Noah Howard, a New Orleans-born musician who spent most of his career in Europe, has died.
Howard, 67, died unexpectedly on Sept. 3 while vacationing in southern France, said his agent, Florian Eisele.
Howard was born in New Orleans and performed as a young man with Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong, Eisele said.
Becoming a driver of the early Free Jazz movement, Noah quickly developed into one of the world's most celebrated alto saxophonists. Eisele said. Howard debuted as a leader for the ESP label with Noah Howard Quartet in 1966.
Disenchanted by the lack of appreciation for musical avant-garde in the United states, Noah moved in 1972 to France and in 1983 to Belgium, Eisele said. Howard recorded more than 28 records, including "Voyage" in 2010.
His wife of 30 years, Dr. Lieve Fransen, said on Wednesday the last recording was inspired by Howard's travels and the many musicians he worked with. Fransen said she and Howard met when she was working in Africa and Howard visited the area.
"He went everywhere, Africa, India, all over Europe," she said. "He met many musicians, many artists. He loved to see different music and the people making it."
A funeral service will be held in the Royal Chapel in Brussels on Friday, Fransen said.