(Julian Edwin), African-American jazz alto saxophone player; b. Tampa, Fla., Sept. 15, 1928; d. Gary, Ind., Aug. 8, 1975. Adderley was one of the best-known jazz saxophonists of the 1950s and '60s, equally famous for his own bands and his work with trumpeter MILES DAVIS. He got his nickname from a mispronunciation of "cannibal," a reference to his large appetite. In 1956 he formed a group with his brother Nat (b. Tampa, Nov. 25, 1931), a cornetist. Cannonball was also featured on Miles Davis's famous Kind of Blue album in 1957. However, unlike Davis, whose music was an acquired taste, Adderley's own music drew on gospel-like melodies that were easy to remember and had foot-tapping beats. Among his best-known recordings were African Waltz; Dis Here; Sermonette; Work Song; Jive Samba; Mercy, Mercy, Mercy; Walk Tall; and Suite Cannon. Many of these pieces were hits on the pop and R&B charts, an unusual achievement for a jazz musician. Adderley's popularity diminished in the 1970s. In 1975 he suffered a stroke during a concert engagement and subsequently died.