“ Blakey had played with such force and fury that he eventually lost much of his hearing, and at the end of his life, often played strictly by instinct.” Ron Wynn (music critics )
- Dexter Gordon, also known as "Long Tall Dexter" and "Sophisticated Giant" dies aged 67. His career spanned over 40 years. His performance in Round Midnight (Warner Bros, 1986) was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Leading Role and he won a Grammy for Best Soundtrack.

- Sarah Vaughan dies aged 66. Nicknamed "Sailor" (for her salty speech), "Sassy" and "The Divine One", was described as one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century.
- Miles Davis brings out his best-selling and racy life story. Miles: The autobiography. he brilliant bad man of jazz trumpetry unburdens himself of his hate and anger as well as of his good feelings about life, friendship, sex, drugs, women and cars.
- Photographer Herman Leonard publishes his book The eye of Jazz.


In Greece, many releases from among others, Andreas Georgiou, Floros Floridis, Takis Barberis and , Michalis Siganidis.
http://www.jazzonline.gr/en/cd-releases/itemlist/tag/Greek%20Jazz%20Discography%201990.html