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Charles Gayle

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The saxophonist Charles Gayle would often perform in clown makeup as Streets, a character who served not only as social commentary but also as a reflection on "things that are in your heart." Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images hide caption

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Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images

Obituaries

Charles Gayle, the fierce saxophonist who created his own path, has died at 84

September 8, 2023 • In his horn, subway cars rumbled, buses hissed, traffic screeched and sirens howled. Homeless for more than a decade, Gayle was forever in conversation with the streets of New York.

The Future Of Intense Art: A Free-Jazz Event Looks Forward

Charles Gayle was honored with a lifetime achievement award at this year's Vision Festival. On the event's opening night, Gayle performed as his alter ego, Streets the Clown. John Rogers for NPR hide caption

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John Rogers for NPR

A Blog Supreme

The Future Of Intense Art: A Free-Jazz Event Looks Forward

June 25, 2014 • The artist-run Vision Festival, now in its 19th year, remains as staunchly committed to its mission as ever. But as its audience ages, it's sowing seeds of community outreach and childhood education.