Marsalis, Branford (1960– )

US saxophonist and bandleader. Born in New Orleans, he was taught by his father Ellis Marsalis, and played alto in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1981, alongside his brother Wynton Marsalis. He was tenor/soprano lead saxophonist on Wynton's 1982 world tour, and has since recorded with Miles Davis, Tina Turner, and Dizzy Gillespie. His first solo recording was Scenes in the City (1983).

In 1985 he joined a backing band for rock star Sting (recording the album The Dream of the Blue Turtles), and was musical director and arranger of Tonight Show with Jay Leno 1992–95. He also recorded the soundtrack for the Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues (1990), about a group of black musicians. Marsalis won Grammy awards for best jazz instrumental (1993) and best pop instrumental (1994).