JAZZ legend Ellis Marsalis Jr. has died at the age of 85 after battling pneumonia brought on by the coronavirus.

The pianist was the patriarch of a New Orleans musical family and a celebrated musician in his own right.

Four of Marsalis Jr.'s sons followed in his footsteps to become musicians. Wynton is one of the most prominent jazz figures in the US as artistic director of jazz at New York's Lincoln Center.

Gallery in eternal memory of Ellis Marsalis

Singer John Legend tweeted: "Sending love to the Marsalis family. Condolences to them and all of those who loved Ellis Marsalis."

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Marsalis Jr was a "legend" and the "prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz".

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