Chris Vadala playing with the College of Southern Maryland’s Solid Brass big band. Pic credit: Russ Cahn/YouTube

Jazz legend Chris Vadala has passed away.

Vadala was a highly sought after jazz and classical performer known for his proficiency with the flute, saxophone, and clarinet. Additionally, he was an educator at the University of Maryland where he worked as the Director of Jazz Studies.

Vadala was also a Jazz tutor at the DeMatha Catholic High School for about 30 years.

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Chris Vadala has performed in more than 100 recordings and worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Chick Corea, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and many other high-profile musicians.

Many former students and fans of Chris Vadala have left tributes in the wake of his untimely death.

We were sorry to hear about the loss of a phenomenal jazz legend and educator, Chris Vadala. Thanks for the many opportunities to work with you over the years. We always enjoyed collaborating with you for concerts. Rest In Peace Chris. pic.twitter.com/VR5VTUiZVD — MD Community Band (@MDCBand1995) January 18, 2019

RIP to Dr. Chris Vadala. A wonderful musician, teacher, and man. A jazz legend. The UMD community will miss him dearly. Read More Exclusive: Julie cannot face intimacy with husband on TLC’s Skin Tight — Austin (@shokboi94) January 17, 2019

We’ve lost an incredible person, saxophonist, educator, friend, & colleague. I will miss collaborating & teaching with him but most of all I will miss hanging with him & laughing until my sides hurt. Chris Vadala, thank you for being a good friend & champion of my writing. RIP CV pic.twitter.com/IOXA1mOq88 — Mike Kamuf (@MikeKamuf) January 17, 2019

Chris Vadala is regarded as one of the best saxophonists of all time. In tributes, many who knew him praised his humility and versatility as a musician.

RIP Chris Vadala. You were a great inspiration!!! 😢❤️🎶 pic.twitter.com/9weRzgbuT6 — Janet Lynch (@JLynch_ADM) January 18, 2019

RIP, Chris Vadala, Director of Jazz Studies at @TerpsMusic @UofMaryland Prof. Vadala directed the UMD Jazz Ensemble for 25 yrs of outstanding performances at the annual Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival @UdcMusic @jazzaliveUDC @udc_edu pic.twitter.com/Cs3zm4ea8F — UDC MUSIC PROGRAM (@UdcMusic) January 18, 2019

Chris Vadala was from Poughkeepsie, New York, and graduated from the Eastman School of Music for the saxophone. He received an M.A. in clarinet from Connecticut College as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree.