Earl Bostic (April 25, 1912 – October 28, 1965) was an American
jazz alto saxophonist and a pioneer of the post-war American
rhythm and blues style. He had a number of popular hits such as
"Flamingo", "
Harlem Nocturne", "Temptation", "Sleep", "Special Delivery Stomp" and "
Where or When", which all showed off his characteristic growl on the horn. He was a major influence on
John Coltrane.