Irv Williams plays Dakota Jazz Club for 98th birthday

Irv Williams
Irv Williams, 96, has been inducted into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame, and the saxophone he played for 35 years of his long-running career is on display at Minnesota History Center.
Nate Ryan | MPR

Legendary Twin Cities saxophone player Irv Williams will be performing at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis this Sunday in honor of his 98th birthday.

Williams has performed with jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson and Billy Eckstine. His playing style earned him the nickname "Mr. Smooth."

Williams grew up in Arkansas and Ohio, but moved to the Twin Cities after World War II. He taught in the St. Paul Public Schools for many years.

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