Charles Lloyd (born 1938) is an acclaimed American jazz saxophonist, flautist, and composer. Known for his unique blend of jazz, world music, and avant-garde influences, Lloyd's take on jazz is one of ethereal beauty and introspection.Charles Lloyd
In his early 30s, he famously gave up on music to focus on his meditation practice. He returned to music shortly after and never left. In the 1960s, he pioneered a mix of modal jazz and rock music that introduced jazz to a whole new demographic. His body of work, including classics like "Forest Flower" and "The Water Is Wide," has solidified his status as an ambassador of experimental, genre-bending jazz with profound spiritual depth.