Moe Koffman

Moe Koffman (Known as "Morris Koffman")

Jazz Flutist, Alto Saxophonist, Composer of "The Swingin' Shepherd Blues"

Born 28 December 1928

Toronto, Canada

Passed Away 28 March 2001 Orangeville, Canada

Lifespan 72 years old

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Notice / Correction

"The flute has a voice that can dance on top of a heavy rhythm section like sunlight on water."

Archival Overview

Virtuoso Toronto jazz flutist whose 1957 instrumental recording "The Swingin' Shepherd Blues" was an international number-one hit, and longtime member of Rob McConnell's Boss Brass.

Biographical Record

Morris "Moe" Koffman was born to Jewish immigrant parents in Toronto and studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 1957, Koffman recorded his own composition, "The Swingin' Shepherd Blues," featuring his swinging, soulful flute playing. The record became a sensational international pop-jazz smash hit, reaching number one across North America.

For decades, Koffman was a central figure in Canadian music, booking jazz talent at George's Spaghetti House in Toronto and anchoring the saxophone section of Rob McConnell's Grammy-winning Boss Brass big band. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Pardes Shalom Cemetery
Vaughan, Canada

                         GPS: 43.8333, -79.5000                    

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