Legendary musician of jazz Ellis Marsalis Jr passes away due to COVID-19 virus

Ellis Marsalis Jr., the jazz pianist, teacher and patriarch of a New Orleans musical clan, has died after battling pneumonia brought on by the new coronavirus, one of his six sons said late Wednesday. He was 85. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Ellis Marsalis Jr.," son Branford Marsalis said in a



statement, saying his father was admitted to hospital on Saturday and "died peacefully this evening".

"My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father. He poured everything he had into making us the best of what we could be," said Branford of the patriarch of New Orleans' great musical family.