Bob Helm

Robert Marshall Helm (July 18, 1914 – September 1, 2002) was a jazz clarinetist and saxophonist.^[1]

Helm at center on saxophone at French Quarter Festival 1990.

Helm was born in Fairmead, California and began playing brass instruments when he was young.^[1] He later turned to alto saxophone and by the age of 11 was a professional tenor saxophonist who also played several other instruments.^[1] He met Lu Watters and Turk Murphy in 1935 and began playing with them.^[1] Five years in the army were followed by returns to the same leaders.^[1] He recorded an album as a leader in 1954.^[2] Helm continued to play into the 1990s and in 1994–95 recorded another album, Hotter than That, for Stomp Off.^[1] He died in San Rafael, California, on September 1, 2002.^[1]