Hubert Laws

Hubert Laws (born November 10, 1939) is an American flutist and saxophonist who pioneered the use of the flute as a solo instrument in jazz and popular music. Born in Houston, Texas, Laws grew up in a musically talented family and quickly established himself as a virtuoso capable of bridging multiple musical genres. During the 1970s and 1980s, he achieved widespread commercial success, recording albums that blended jazz sophistication with R&B, funk, and pop sensibilities. His smooth, lyrical flute style made him accessible to mainstream audiences while maintaining artistic credibility with jazz musicians. Laws recorded numerous albums for major labels including Atlantic Records and Columbia Records, producing hit singles and appearing on television variety shows and award ceremonies. Beyond his solo career, he collaborated with major artists across genres and contributed to film and television soundtracks. His work helped establish the flute as a viable solo instrument in popular music, influencing subsequent generations of flute players. Laws' ability to navigate successfully across jazz, R&B, and pop music demonstrates the fluidity of musical genres and the power of instrumental virtuosity to transcend stylistic boundaries. His legacy includes expanding the expressive possibilities of the flute in contemporary music.