American jazz saxophonist and composer (1927-1996). Born in Queens, New York. Among the most influential baritone saxophonists in jazz history; pioneer of the "cool jazz" movement alongside Miles Davis (with whom he co-composed parts of the Birth of the Cool sessions, 1948-1950).
Released dozens of albums under his own name between Mulligan Plays Mulligan (1951) and Dragonfly (1995). The pianoless Gerry Mulligan Quartet with trumpeter Chet Baker (1952-1953) was one of the most-discussed jazz groupings of the early 1950s. Also led big bands, sextets, and septets. Continued to record and perform until shortly before his 1996 death.
