Arthur Edward Pepper, Jr. (September 1, 1925 - June 15, 1982) was a jazz alto saxophonist, who started his musical career playing with Benny Carter and Stan Kenton in the 1940s before becoming one of the leading lights of West Coast jazz in the 1950s, along with Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Shelly Manne and others.

Pepper was born in San Pedro, California. He became a heroin addict in the 1940s, which led to his career being interrupted by prison sentences during the 1950s and 1960s. In the late 1960s he spent time in Synanon, a drug rehabilitation group.

After going on methadone in the mid-1970s, Pepper enjoyed a musical comeback and recorded a series of highly acclaimed albums.

His autobiography "Straight Life" (1980) is a unique exploration into the jazz world and drug and criminal subcultures of mid-twentieth century California.

External link

• Art Pepper on The Jazz Files Website