DHAKA: One of the most highly regarded pianists and composers in jazz, Horace Silver, has died aged 85 in the US.

He was one of the pioneers of a rhythmic jazz style known as hard bop.

Silver began his career as a tenor saxophonist in clubs in Connecticut. But after he moved to New York in the 1950s, he switched to piano and began performing at the Blue Note Jazz Club, reports BBC.

Many of his compositions became jazz standards, including Sister Sadie, The Preacher and Filthy McNasty.

His family came from Cape Verde, and Silver was influenced by the folk music from the Portuguese-speaking islands off of Africa.

BDST: 1101 HRS, JUN 19, 2014