The music world is remembering pioneering jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter who died March 2.

Jazz innovator, creator of a distinctive jazz sound, and 12-time Grammy winner describe saxophonist Wayne Shorter. His music lets you experience the legend. (Music “Footprints”) Already well known on the jazz world in the late 1950s – Shorter helped expand its sound over his eight-decade career – early on as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and The Miles Davis Quintet, and as a founder of Weather Report. (Music “Birdland”) He collaborated with greats including Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan and fellow Buddhist Herbie Hancock, who says he’s lost his best friend, but that Shorter left us with love and compassion for all. Carmen Roberts  Fox News

Shorter’s closest friend and fellow SGI Buddhist, Herbie Hancock, said in a statement, “Wayne Shorter, my best friend, left us with courage in his heart, love and compassion for all, and a seeking spirit for the eternal future. He was ready for his rebirth. As it is with every human being, he is irreplaceable and was able to reach the pinnacle of excellence as a saxophonist, composer, orchestrator, and recently, composer of the masterful opera …Iphigenia. I miss being around him and his special Wayne-isms but I carry his spirit within my heart always.”

Shorter’s long-time label, Blue Note Records said, “Visionary composer, saxophonist, visual artist, devout Buddhist, devoted husband, father, and grandfather Wayne Shorter has passed away at age 89, departing the earth as we know it and embarking on a new journey as part of his extraordinary life. Shorter was surrounded by his loving family in Los Angeles at the time of his transition.”