About Shafi Hadi
Lived 1929 – 1976 (aged 46–47). Shafi Hadi was an American jazz musician, saxophonist and musician.
William Curtis Porter (September 21, 1929 – June 1976), better known as Shafi Hadi, was an American jazz tenor and alto saxophonist known for his recordings with Charles Mingus and with Hank Mobley.
Biography Hadi was born as William Curtis Porter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 21, 1929. At age 6, he received piano lessons from his grandmother.
During the 1950s, Hadi was also active in painting. Hamp Stamps, No, Say No, A Sketch Of Gladys, and Mama Knows.
Hadi died in June 1976, at the age of 46.
Playing style Brian Priestley describes Hadi's performance style as a "distinctive mixture of bop and blues, combined with a very individual tone."
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Important facts
People in Shafi Hadi's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Shafi Hadi?
American jazz saxophonist (1929–1976)
When was Shafi Hadi born?
Shafi Hadi was born on 21 September 1929 in Philadelphia.
When did Shafi Hadi die?
Shafi Hadi died in 1976.
What was Shafi Hadi's occupation?
Shafi Hadi was a jazz musician, saxophonist and musician.
What nationality was Shafi Hadi?
Shafi Hadi was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Shafi Hadi. https://biography.guide/shafi-hadi/
MLA: "Shafi Hadi." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/shafi-hadi/.
Chicago: "Shafi Hadi." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/shafi-hadi/.
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