Percy Heath

Percy Heath was an American jazz bassist born in 1923 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He gained prominence as a founding member of the Modern Jazz Quartet, where he played for over four decades. Heath also performed with leading figures such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk. His steady, melodic bass lines helped define cool jazz and bebop ensembles. In later years he led the Heath Brothers alongside his siblings Jimmy and Tootie. He remained active until his death in 2005.