Jazz Musician Willie Ruff Dead at 92: What Was His Cause of Death?

Jazz musician Willie Ruff has died. He was 92.

Ruff's official website honored the late "horn, bass, author" following his death on Christmas Eve. The statement expressed people's sadness following the tragic loss.

Willie Ruff Dead at 92

The lengthy webpage included a short tribute message and a brief biography that explored his life as a musician and professor.

"He taught us aspects of jazz history and 20th century American history that are largely ignored or hidden. His interests spanned from music, to astronomy, religion, mathematics, architecture, art, history and more," the post read. "Connecting his interests, he found stories like no other. He was a great raconteur, teacher, musician, father and spirit."

The statement did not disclose his cause of death. More details about his funeral and memorial were not shared with the public.

On X, multiple users also shared their heartbreaking tributes and honored the legendary jazz musician following his passing.

One said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the death of the legendary Willie Ruff at 92. He came up playing in the storied jazz clubs that lined Dixwell Avenue in New Haven and went on to an extraordinary international career both inside and outside the academy."

"RIP to the great and gifted musician #WillieRuff," another wrote.

About Willie Ruff

According to the death announcement posted by the Yale School of Music, Ruff taught at the school from 1971 until his retirement in 2017.

The musician, who died in Killen, Ala., grew up in Sheffield, Ala., and started pursuing a career in music by honing his skills as a drummer and pianist. He soon developed himself as a horn player and double bassist.

As a jazz musician, he famously played with other jazz music greats, including Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton.

But at one point during one concert, he suffered from a bomb threat that led everyone to leave the venue.

"Mingus said, 'It sounds like a conspiracy to me," he shared at the Yale Art Gallery in 2016, per Yale Alumni Magazine. "Too much talent on this stage of the wrong complexion. It's a racist act.' He said to the police, 'Get all my heroes out of here. Take Duke, Willie the Lion, Eubie Blake. I'm staying.'"