Jean-Baptiste Frédéric Isidor, Baron Thielemans (born Brussels, 29 April 1922), known as Toots Thielemans, is a Belgian jazz musician well known for his guitar and harmonica playing as well as his highly accomplished professional whistling.
Perhaps best known for his 1962 hit single "Bluesette," he is often cited by jazz aficionados and critics[1] as the greatest jazz harmonica player.
Thielemans started his career as a guitar player. In 1949 he joined a jam session in Paris with Sidney Bechet, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach and others. In 1949 and 1950 he participated in European tours with Benny Goodman, making his first record in Paris with fellow band member, tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims. In 1951 he went on tour with Bobbejaan Schoepen.