SHORT TAKES : Jazz Guitarist Addison Dies at 87

Bernard Addison, a pioneer of jazz guitar who played with the greats of his generation, has died at age 87.

Addison died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital in Rockville, a hospital supervisor said. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Addison began first on banjo, then on guitar. Nicknamed Bunky by fellow musicians, he was a fixture in the rhythm sections of big bands fronted by Claude Hopkins, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Fletcher Henderson, Stuff Smith and Mezz Mezzrow.