Lew Soloff, most famous for those searing trumpet lines in the Blood, Sweat and Tears song, “Spinning Wheel” died Saturday at the age of 71.

Soloff was widely known in the jazz world, but made an indelible mark on American culture playing with Blood, Sweat and Tears from  1968 to 1973. In that time, with the band, he racked up 9 Gold records, a Grammy Award for “Record of the Year”, and performed at Woodstock in 1969.

During his career he also played or recorded with Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithful, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Dr. John, Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin, among others.

A statement on the Blood, Sweat & Tears website reads,
“We are saddened by the passing of a great BS&T alumni Lew Soloff. He was the high water mark that all lead trumpet players were compared to in BS&T. Lew was a great guy off the stage as well.  Lew left his legendary touch on this band and will be missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

BS&T – “Spinning Wheel” 2/10/69 – featuring Lew Soloff on trumpet: