born May 24, 1937, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., U.S.
U.S. jazz saxophonist and composer.
Shepp was originally inspired by John Coltrane . His playing increasingly demonstrated the influence of Ben Webster , with a wide vibrato and gruff tone; his occasional eruptions of harsh screams and multiphonics (two notes played simultaneously) became trademarks of avant-garde saxophone technique. His first recordings were with free-jazz pianist Cecil Taylor (b. 1933) in the early 1960s; thereafter he worked as leader of his own groups. Also a playwright and educator, Shepp became an eloquent spokesman for the new music and its social significance.