Phil Woods, born Philip Wells Woods on November 2, 1931, in Springfield, Massachusetts, was a renowned American jazz alto saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, and composer. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 12 after inheriting one from his uncle and went on to study music under the tutelage of Lennie Tristano and at prestigious institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard School, where he majored in clarinet.

Woods was celebrated for his mastery of the bop vocabulary and was often referred to as "the New Bird," a nod to his brilliance in bebop settings akin to Charlie Parker, though he maintained a distinct sound. Throughout his career, he played with notable figures such as Charlie Barnet, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, and Quincy Jones. He was part of Benny Goodman's famous 1962 tour of the Soviet Union and led his own groups, including the European Rhythm Machine during his years in France from 1968 to 1972.

In 1973, Woods formed a successful quintet that evolved over the years, featuring prominent musicians like Tom Harrell and Hal Galper. He was recognized as one of the top alto saxophonists in jazz, earning numerous accolades, including the NEA Jazz Master award in 2007. His work as a sideman included memorable solos on pop tracks like Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" and Steely Dan's "Doctor Wu."

Woods was also a committed educator, co-founding the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts to promote jazz appreciation. He remained active in music until his retirement announcement in 2015, shortly before his death on September 29, 2015, in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. His legacy endures as a towering figure in jazz, celebrated for his contributions to the genre and his dedication to its preservation and evolution.