Arthur Blythe was born on 5 July 1940 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was married to Queen Bey Blythe. He died on 27 March 2017 in Lancaster, California, USA.
Blythe's ebullient alto-sax playing helped him stand out. So did his fearless approach to music and his ability to constantly explore new artistic terrain while paying homage to the jazz traditions that shaped him. He stood out whether leading his own bands or playing with the World Saxophone Quartet or such jazz luminaries as Gil Evans, McCoy Tyner, and Horace Tapscott.