Melba Liston

Melba Doretta Liston (January 13, 1926 – April 23, 1999) was an American jazz trombonist, arranger, and composer. She was the first woman trombonist to play alongside men in big bands during the 1940s and 1960s, but as her career progressed, she became better known as an arranger, particularly in partnership with pianist Randy Weston. Other major musicians with whom she worked include Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, and Count Basie.