Jazz virtuoso and fusion pioneer Ralph Towner – composer of jazz standard Icarus – dies at 85

Musician Ralph Towner performing in Guerneville, California, circa 1987.

Jazz and acoustic guitar virtuoso Ralph Towner has died at the age of 85. News of the musician's passing was shared on January 18 by his long-term label ECM. His daughter, Celeste Towner, confirmed the news.

Best associated with the six- and twelve-string acoustic, Towner expanded the jazz lexicon with his avant-garde approach to the instrument. While initially gaining fame as a pianist, he quickly stepped to the forefront of the late ’60s New York jazz scene as a guitarist.