Mundell Lowe, born James Mundell Lowe on April 21, 1922, in Shady Grove, Mississippi, was an esteemed American jazz guitarist, composer, and conductor. He passed away on December 2, 2017, in San Diego, California. Lowe's career spanned over seven decades, from 1946 to 2017, during which he became a prominent figure in jazz music, known for his work in radio, television, and film.

Lowe began playing guitar at a young age, taught initially by his father and sister. By the age of sixteen, he was performing on the Grand Ole Opry radio program in Nashville. After serving in the military during World War II, where he played in an Army dance band, Lowe's career took off. He became associated with notable musicians and bands, including the Benny Goodman orchestra and the Jan Savitt orchestra, and played in various New York clubs.

In the 1950s, Lowe worked as a staff musician for NBC, contributing to shows like the "Today Show" and arranging music for television. He collaborated with jazz legends such as Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young. In 1965, Lowe moved to Los Angeles, where he composed music for TV shows like "Hawaii Five-O" and "Starsky & Hutch," and films including "Billy Jack."

Throughout his career, Lowe recorded with artists such as Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan and was involved in projects with André Previn and the Great Guitars. He also taught at the Guitar Institute of Technology and the Grove School of Music and served as music director of the Monterey Jazz Festival. Lowe's influence and contributions to jazz music were significant, and he is remembered as one of the best jazz guitarists in the world.