Toots Thielemans

The Profile

Belgian jazz harmonica player, guitarist and whistler, known for the composition "Bluesette" and for extensive collaborations with leading jazz artists. Born April 29, 1922; died August 22, 2016.

Born April 29, 1922 in Brussels, Belgium; died August 22, 2016 aged 94. Renowned for harmonica, guitar and whistling, and for the composition "Bluesette". The DeBaser review praises the live album Ne Me Quitte Pas (instrumental version of Brel's title track), notes performances of Blue 'n Green, Stardust and an Autumn Leaves where he plays guitar; mentions he had retired from the stage about three years before his death.

A DeBaser review by dsalva pays tribute to Toots Thielemans as a leading jazz harmonica player, focusing on the live album Ne Me Quitte Pas. The review highlights emotive harmonica performances on tracks such as Blue 'n Green, Stardust, and an Autumn Leaves featuring guitar. It notes his long career, many collaborations, retirement a few years before his death, and his passing at age 94.