Aleksei Kozlov, the Russian jazz saxophonist whose work helped shape Soviet-era jazz, died on September 25, 2026, at the age of 90. His death was confirmed by family members and close associates. Born in Moscow on October 13, 1935, Kozlov emerged as one of the first prominent Russian jazz musicians to gain recognition in the 1960s.
His career spanned more than five decades, during which he became a defining voice in the country's jazz scene. Kozlov’s influence extended beyond performance; he was also known as a composer, keyboardist, actor, presenter, and music arranger.