Zena Latto, American jazz saxophonist, Died at 90

  Music

Zena Latto was born on October 25, 1925, the Bronx, New York City, and died on April 5, 2016.

He was an American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist.

During the 1940s and 1950s, she played with the big band the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

Zena Latto purchased a baritone saxophone to stay with that group and continued to perform with the Sweethearts until 1955.

From 1955 to 1957, Latto performed with her own band the Modern Moods.

Because of her illness, his moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1975 to live with her sister Claire and began pursuing a formal degree in music there at age 53.

Zena Latto graduated in 1985 from Loyola University at age 60.

Zena acknowledges the role of John Mahoney, the Jazz Director of Loyola University, in helping her achieve this goal.

Her taught of a “free university” at the public library in 1977 and at home, where she taught individual children and adults clarinet and saxophone from 1986 to 1996.

Zena Latto passed away 90 yrs old.