One of the giants of jazz.  I'll repeat here the words that came to me when I first heard the news ...
 
His was a valuable contribution to our music and culture, expanding the possibilities of improvisation, collaboration, and communication, seeking to share, to sing from the soul, to express directly and honestly.

An .

And a great segment from Ken Burns' Jazz; , .

Dave,  
I am sorry to read of this . Thanks for the link .

This sad news.  Thank you Dave and the link-posters.  
 
Blow on Ornette!