George Wein, jazz pianist and founder of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival died Monday. He was 95.

Wein first created the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954. In 1970, he established the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and its foundation. Jazz Fest producers described Wein as the “brilliant mastermind of the modern music festival.” 

Wein is survived by his nieces Margie Wein and Carol Wein and his sister in law, Theodora McLaurin.