Freddie Hubbard, known as the most talented jazz trumpeter of the post-bebop ’60 and ’70, died Dec. 29 at a hospital in Sherman Oaks, Calif., of complications from a heart attack. Hubbard was known primarily for playing in the bebop, hard bop and post bop styles of the early ‘60s.

Frederick Dewayne Hubbard was born April 7th, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started playing the mellophone and trumpet in his school band, studying at the Jordan Conservatory with the principal trumpeter of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. As a teenager, he worked with Wes and Monk Montgomery. At the age of 20, the trumpeter moved to New York and began collaborating with numerous veteran jazz artists like Philly Joe Jones, Slide Hampton and Quincy Jones. Two years later he recorded "Open Sesame," his solo debut, in June 1960. The album featured Hank Mobley, McCoy Tyner, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones.

In May 1961, the musician played on "Ole Coltrane," John Coltrane’s final recording session with Atlantic Records. Three months later, Hubbard made one of his famous records, "Ready for Freddie," which was also his first Blue Note collaboration with Wayne Shorter. Throughout the 1960s Hubbard played as a sideman on some of the most appreciated albums of the era, including Oliver Nelson’s "The Blues and the Abstract Truth," and Herbie Hancock’s "Maiden Voyage."

His early ‘70s jazz albums, including "Red Clay," "First Light," "Straight Life" and "Sky Dive" were well received; "First Light," which included pianists Herbie Hancock and Richard Wyands, guitarists Eric Gale and George Benson, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Jack DeJohnette, won a 1972 Grammy Award.

During 1970-1974, Hubbard was seen as the biggest star of the CTI label and a major figure in the mainstream bebop tradition.