Thailand’s Jazz-Loving King Bhumibol Adulyadej Dies at 88

A literal King of Jazz has died. Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch and a great lover of jazz, passed away on September 13 at the age of 88 in Bangkok following an extended illness. Bhumibol was an accomplished saxophonist (along with other woodwinds, trumpet, piano, and guitar) whose musical influences were Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Benny Carter, and Johnny Hodges. He composed 49 tunes, mostly swing numbers, several of which were recorded by Les Brown & his Band of Renown, Claude Bolling’s Big Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He also wrote marches, waltzes, Thai patriotic songs, and anthems for Thai universities. His most popular compositions were “Candlelight Blues,” “Love at Sundown.” and “Falling Rain,” all composed in 1946. Born in the United States while his father was attending Harvard University, Bhumibol discovered jazz as a teenager while studying in Switzerland. He took up the saxophone and initially received general music training privately. The King would spend his time practicing jazz by himself and play accompanied by phonograph records of famous jazz bands. Once he had acquired greater confidence and facility with his playing, he would jam with the recordings. So it could be said that in many ways, his “teachers” were really famous jazz musicians performing on his favorite records, esp