Last Updated on 2 months ago by Vijay Kumar
American jazz pianist Mike Wofford has passed away at the age of 87. Wofford died on September 19, 2025, in San Diego, California, due to hyponatremia, a condition caused by abnormally low sodium levels in the blood. His death marks the loss of one of the last great pianists closely connected to the golden era of jazz.
Wofford was born on February 28, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in San Diego, where he began playing classical piano at an early age. By the 1960s, he had emerged as one of the most respected pianists on the West Coast jazz scene. Over his decades-long career, he performed and recorded with some of the greatest names in music, including Sarah Vaughan (as her accompanist in 1979) and Ella Fitzgerald (serving as her pianist and music director from 1989 to 1994). He also released notable albums such as Strawberry Wine and Summer Night, showcasing his rich improvisational style and deep understanding of jazz traditions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Wofford was also a family man. He was married to flutist Holly Hofmann, and together they shared a life deeply rooted in music. He is survived by his wife, Holly Hofmann, his daughter Melissa, and his two sons, Christopher and Michael Jr.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.
