Booker Telleferro Ervin II, October 31, 1930 – July 31, 1971, was an American tenor player. Perhaps his most prominent association was with Charles Mingus, the bassist. Ervin was born in Denison in Texas. He learned tenor saxophone during his time in the United States Air Force. After that, he moved to Boston and attended Berklee College of Music. His tenor playing featured a strong sound and blues/gospel-influenced phrasing. Although some believe that his style was inspired by John Coltrane’s, it is believed they created their own styles. They were also distinct apart from any similarities. He was a member of Horace Parlan’s band, and he recorded Up with them.
