A saxophonist who played with the likes of Nat King Cole and Ray Charles has been remembered as a pioneer who broke down racial barriers in Utah music clubs.

Hundreds of people filled the The Monarch in Ogden on Saturday to sing the praises of Joe McQueen.

The musician died at the age of 100 earlier this month following a struggle with cancer. The Standard-Examiner in Ogden reports local musicians, a church choir and others remembered McQueen as a selfless leader.

McQueen retired at age 83. His quartet played jazz music alongside a bevy of famous artists.