Inspired to play the trumpet as a teenager after watching Kirk Douglas play it in Young Man With a Horn, during the 1950's Masekela would become the father of South African jazz. Masekela, however, was also an anti-Apartheid activist and a member of the ANC. Following the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, Masekela left South Africa for London and then eventually New York.
Masekela would be catapulted to international stardom in 1967 following his appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival. In 1968, Masekela would earn a number one hit with an instrumental version of "Grazing In The Grass". Masekela would also collaborate with The Byrds on "So You Want To Be a Rock 'n Roll Star" and "Lady Friend".
During the 1980's, Masekela would get renewed attention for touring with Paul Simon to promote Graceland and with his international hit "Bring Him Back Home", his tribute to his then imprisoned friend Nelson Mandela. Masekela would return to South Africa in 1990 shortly after Mandela was released.
Sad to say, I never saw Masekela perform and was kicking myself when I learned of his passing this morning for not having done so given that he would often perform in Boston. But what's past is past. At least Masekela's music is forever. Have a listen to his horn on The Byrds' "Lady Friend".
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