Jazz clarinetist Tony Scott dies in Rome at 85

Musician Tony Scott, who worked with many of the world's jazz greats, has died at the age of 85.

Italy's House of Jazz says Scott died Wednesday in Rome, where he had lived for decades.

He was a clarinetist, composer and arranger who worked with Billie Holiday, Charlie Bird and Duke Ellington in a career that spanned continents and decades. He also played the saxophone, and worked with Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Scott is considered a forerunner of world music. He was among the first musicians to mix jazz with other genres.

He said he decided years ago he'd rather be a jazz musician than rich and famous. As he put it, "I had the chance to sell out, but I didn't. I've never regretted that."

A funeral is planned this weekend in Rome.

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