"I'm trying to be expressive on my instrument and conduct as I'm improvising. So I'm conducting with the melodies and the rhythms that I play."

• Born Dec. 29, 1952, in Cleveland
   
• In the early '80s, Joe Lovano got his start as the saxophonist in GRAMMY winner John Scofield's quartet. He released his debut solo album, Tones, Shapes & Colors, in 1985.  
   
• He won his first career GRAMMY for 2000 for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for 52nd Street Themes.
   
• Lovato has released nearly 40 albums as a bandleader or co-bandleader.
   
• Lovano performed at the 2016 Jazz Legends for Disability Pride, a fundraising concert designed to promote inclusion, awareness, and visibility of people with disabilities.