George Wein, Founder Of Newport Jazz, Folk Festivals, Dies At 95

NEWPORT, RI — A jazz music icon has died.

George Wein, the co-founder of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, died in his sleep Monday, according to his obituary. Wein was 95.

A musician himself, Wein was perhaps best known for his connection with other iconic jazz musicians, from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Jon Baptiste. Rapper LL Cool J said he "defined what a music festival could be" when Wein was awarded a Grammy Honorary Trustee Award in 2015.

"More than anyone, George set the stage for what great festivals today look like; festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo … he made this possible," he continued.

Wein was born Oct. 3, 1925. At age 25, Wein opened his first club, Storyville, in Boston, before branching out to a music label of the same name. In 1954, he was asked to create a music festival in Newport, and went on to revolutionize the way people interact with live music.

"What was a festival to me? I had no rule book to go by," Wein wrote in his memoir. "I knew it had to be something unique, that no jazz fan had ever been exposed to."

Throughout his seven-decade-long career, Wein dedicated himself to jazz music, creating festivals, establishing the nonprofit Newport Festivals Foundation and more. Just before his 90th birthday, he spearheaded an initiative to make the Newport more sustainable.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said that Rhode Island "lost a giant."

"George Wein’s vision and passion brought people together through music in Newport for decades," McKee continued. "His dedication to philanthropy changed countless lives forever. Through music, George’s legacy and spirit will live on for generations to come."

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said that Wein "put Newport at the center of music history."

"The festivals that were his life’s work have been a highlight of Rhode Island summers for well over half a century, with the legends of jazz and folk lining up for the chance to play at Newport," Whitehouse said. "The festivals will continue for new generations to enjoy thanks to George’s stewardship."

Read Wein's full obituary here.