Romania's 'Mr. Jazz,' Johnny Raducanu, Dies at 79

Jazz musician Johnny Raducanu, dubbed “Mr. Jazz” of Romania, has died of a heart attack at age 79.

Raducanu was born into a Roma family whose roots as musical performers date back more than 300 years.

He was one of Romania's most versatile jazz musicians and entertainers, mastering the bass and piano, and also composing and arranging and leading his own band.

Raducanu also performed around the world, including in the former Soviet Union, the United States and much of Europe.

Photo: Johnny Răducanu (born Răducan Creţu on 1 December 1931 in Brăila), a Romanian Jazz musician, seen here in 2009. (Photo by Eyebrowed.)