Donald Byrd was an innovative jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose career spanned hard bop, soul, and fusion. Emerging in the 1950s alongside Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, he quickly became known for his lyrical phrasing and adventurous spirit. Byrd’s work in the 1970s with the Mizell Brothers introduced a funk and R&B-infused sound that influenced generations of musicians. Also an accomplished educator, he bridged the gap between academia and performance, leaving an enduring mark on modern jazz and beyond.