James Moody (1925–2010) was a legendary saxophonist and flutist whose career spanned more than six decades of jazz innovation. A key figure in bebop, Moody was best known for his warm tone, technical brilliance, and joyful improvisation on both tenor sax and flute — an instrument he helped popularize in jazz. His 1949 classic “Moody’s Mood for Love” became a jazz vocal standard. A longtime collaborator with Dizzy Gillespie, Moody’s style blended bebop fire with soulfulness and swing, making him a beloved and influential figure in modern jazz.