One of my all-time favorite jazz musicians and composers, Oliver Nelson, was born on this day in 1932. 
I first heard his music when I was new to jazz, in high school in the early '60s. Pianist/jazz educator Dr. Billy Taylor had a show on radio in New York, which is how I stumbled across jazz. Billy had a new record out on Capitol, backed by a big band arranged and led by Oliver Nelson. When I bought the album, I fell in love with one of Oliver Nelson's tunes called "Stolen Moments," which is now a jazz classic. It has a beautifully haunting melody and, over the years, some great lyrics have been written to go with the tune. Hear it here, from his album "Blues & The Abstract Truth."
When I was in college radio, I played Oliver Nelson's tunes many times on my jazz show. I'd always crank up the volume, sit back and enjoy it.
Nelson only lived to age 43, which was a real loss to jazz since he undoubtedly had many more tunes in his head and heart.
Happy birthday Oliver Nelson and thanks for the great tunes that live on.
Click here to hear him perform "Black, Brown & Beautiful."