Musicians who died on May 23

Take a focused look at the musicians who passed away on May 23. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1994 Joseph Anthony Pass

  Joseph Anthony Pass, known professionally as Joe Pass, was an acclaimed American jazz guitarist recognized for his sophisticated improvisational technique and profound impact on jazz, particularly in the realms of bebop and cool jazz. Celebrated for his solo performances and collaborations with jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson, Pass is widely regarded as one of the finest … [bio]