Jerome Richardson; Jazz Flutist and Saxophonist

Jerome Richardson, 79, versatile jazz flutist and saxophonist long associated with Quincy Jones. Born in Texas but brought up in California, Richardson began playing alto saxophone at age 8 and later studied at San Francisco State College. He made his professional debut at age 14 and worked with local dance bands until he joined the Navy during World War II and played in a band directed by Marshall Royal. After the war, he toured with Lionel Hampton and Earl Hines. Moving to New York in 1953, Richardson led his own group at Minton’s Playhouse. He became a member of Jones’ orchestra in 1959 and with it toured Europe and performed in the show “Free and Easy” in Paris. Maintaining his relationship with Jones, he later toured Japan with him three times. Richardson, who worked with such singers as Peggy Lee, Billy Eckstine and Julie London, was a founding member of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra in 1965. Richardson spent the 1970s and 1980s in Hollywood where he was much in demand as a session musician. On Friday in Englewood, N.J.