Yusef Lateef (1920–2013) was a pioneering American composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator whose work transcended genre boundaries. Known for his mastery of the tenor saxophone, flute, oboe, and other woodwinds, Lateef fused jazz with global musical traditions, incorporating sounds from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. A visionary in “world music” long before the term gained popularity, he earned a Grammy Award for his innovative compositions and served as an influential scholar and teacher. His artistry continues to inspire musicians seeking spiritual depth and cross-cultural connection in sound.