1. This Kansas City-born saxophonist is widely regarded as the greatest saxophonist ever. He was known by the nickname "Yardbird," or more frequently the shortened version, "Bird." Lester Young Charlie Parker Gerry Mulligan Dexter Gordon

2. This North Carolina tenor man played with some of the most influential jazz artists of his era, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Johhny Hartman. One of his biggest hits was "My Favorite Things." Nat Adderly John Coltrane Johnny Hodges Sonny Stitt

3. This New Yorker is almost unanimously considered the greatest baritone sax player of all time. He played with countless big names, including Miles Davis, Gene Krupa, Dave Brubek and Stan Kenton, and composed the classic jazz standards "Walking Shoes" and "Swing House." Bob Brookmeyer Chet Baker Gerry Mulligan Benny Carter

4. This Philadelphia native played with the likes of Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey, but gained widespread fame as part of Woody Herman's "Second Herd" band. He helped start the bossa nova craze of the 60's alongside Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Stan Getz Ben Webster Boots Randolph Lionel Hampton

5. This alto saxophonist from San Francisco was known for his smooth, cool tone. He is widely known for his collaboration with pianist Dave Brubek, and composed Brubek's biggest hit, "Take Five." Gene Ammons Chet Baker Paul Desmond Jim Hall

6. Although born in Buffalo, New York, this sax man was more closely identified with the city of Philadelphia, where he spent most of his life. A master of the funk style of playing, he also achieved great commercial success with tunes such as "Mr. Magic," "Winelight" and "Just The Two of Us." Stanley Turentine Phil Woods Grover Washington, Jr. David Sanborn

7. This alto man from Massachusetts was greatly influenced by Charlie Parker, and is known for his excellent solo on Billy Joel's hit "Just The Way You Are." Phil Woods Art Blakey Jackie McLean Roland Kirk

8. This legendary tenor player from New Jersey played with Art Blakey, Maynard Ferguson and Miles Davis before co-founding the seminal fusion group Weather Report. Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis Roland Kirk Wayne Shorter Johnny Hodges

9. This Fort Worth, Texas native was best known as a trailblazer in the avant garde form also known as "free jazz." Ornette Coleman John Coltrane Jimmy Hamilton Sammy Nestico

10. This alto/soprano sax prodigy from Brooklyn, New York has achieved universal acclaim with his legendary fusion band, Spyro Gyra. Michael Brecker Hank Mobley Gary Bartz Jay Beckenstein