Remembering Zoot Sims on his birthday (October 29, 1925 – March 23, 1985). Inspired by saxophonists like Ben Webster, Lester Young, and Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims dedicated his life to playing mainstream jazz. "Throughout his career," wrote Scott Yanow in All Music Guide, "Zoot Sims was famous for epitomizing the swinging musician, never playing an inappropriate phrase." During his 40 years as a performer, he played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and