The day of the great jazz improviser who doesn't know how to read music is over.

He demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the musical trends that evolved from the 1940s through the 2000s. A 4-day series of seminars and concerts honoring Ferguson and his career were held in Los Angeles with Ferguson in attendance in fall of 2004. As big bands declined in popularity and economic viability into the 1960s Ferguson's band performed more infrequently.

He was noted for being able to play accurately in a remarkably high register and for his bands which served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent. Walter Maynard Ferguson (May 4 1928 – August 23 2006) was a Canadian jazz musician and bandleader.