Benny Golson (January 25, 1929 – September 21, 2024) was a celebrated American jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator, known for his significant contributions to the bebop and hard bop genres. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Golson's early musical journey began with piano lessons at age nine before he switched to the saxophone at 14, inspired by the music of bebop pioneers and performances by Lionel Hampton's band. He attended Howard University, where he further honed his musical skills.

Golson's career took off when he joined Bull Moose Jackson's band in 1951, where he was influenced by composer-arranger Tadd Dameron. He played with notable bands led by Lionel Hampton, Johnny Hodges, Earl Bostic, and Dizzy Gillespie. From 1956 to 1958, he was part of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, where his robust saxophone playing and compositions like "Moanin'" became classics.

In 1959, Golson co-founded The Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer, a group that became renowned for Golson's compositions such as "I Remember Clifford," "Killer Joe," and "Along Came Betty," many of which became jazz standards. After the Jazztet disbanded in 1962, Golson focused on composing and arranging for film and television, contributing to soundtracks for shows like M*A*S*H and Mission Impossible.

Golson's career saw a revival in the 1980s with the reformation of The Jazztet and various performances and commissioned works, including an orchestral piece for Juilliard's centennial. As an educator, he lectured and held residencies at numerous prestigious institutions, sharing his vast knowledge of jazz with new generations.

Throughout his life, Golson received numerous accolades, including a 1996 NEA Jazz Master Fellowship, a 1994 Guggenheim Fellowship, and a 2007 Mellon Living Legend Legacy Award. In 2021, he was honored with a Grammy Trustees Award, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in jazz history.