There are few musicians who have shown themselves to be as versatile and compelling as the great as flutist Hubert Laws. Laws has made a career of deftly blending jazz, classical, R&B, and Latin music. Born on November 10, 1939, in Houston, Texas, Laws grew up in a musically rich family and began playing the flute in high school, quickly demonstrating an exceptional talent. He attended Texas Southern University and later the Juilliard School, where he honed his classical technique while immersing himself in New York’s vibrant jazz scene.
Laws’ breakthrough came in the 1960s when he joined jazz ensembles led by legends like Mongo Santamaria and Herbie Mann, gaining widespread recognition for his innovative approach to the flute in jazz settings. His versatility allowed him to work with a diverse range of artists, from Sergio Mendes and Antonio Carlos Jobim to Quincy Jones and Chick Corea. In 1964, he signed with Atlantic Records, where he released his early albums, blending jazz with elements of soul and bossa nova.
However, it was during his time with CTI Records in the 1970s that Laws became a pioneer in jazz fusion, producing some of his most iconic albums, including Afro-Classic (1970), The Rite of Spring (1971), and Morning Star (1972). These albums featured reinterpretations of classical pieces by composers like Bach and Stravinsky, infused with jazz improvisation, creating a unique soundscape that showcased Laws’ technical mastery and creative vision. His distinctive tone and expressive phrasing elevated the flute from its traditional role in jazz, making it a lead instrument that could evoke a wide emotional range.
Over his career, Laws received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations, and his influence extended beyond jazz. His work has inspired generations of musicians, proving that the flute can be as dynamic and expressive as any other lead instrument. Even after decades, Hubert Laws remains a revered figure, known for pushing the boundaries of flute performance and bridging musical worlds in ways few artists have achieved.
