1. Herbie Mann: A legendary jazz flutist, Mann was a pioneer in the fusion of jazz with other musical genres, including Latin music and R&B. He released several albums in the 1980s, including "Caminando" (1980) and "Peace Pieces" (1983).
2. Hubert Laws: Another celebrated jazz flutist, Laws gained popularity in the 70s and continued to release acclaimed albums throughout the 80s. Some of his notable works from this period include "Family" (1980), "Wild Flower" (1982), and "Laws of Nature" (1986).
3. James Newton: A multi-talented jazz musician and composer, Newton emerged as a leading figure in the avant-garde jazz scene during the 1980s. His contributions to jazz flute are marked by his innovative and experimental approach, as showcased on albums like "Suite for Frida Kahlo" (1984) and "Portraits" (1987).
4. Jeremy Steig: Known for his distinctive vibrato and soulful playing style, Steig had a successful career as a jazz flutist in the 1980s. His albums from this period include "Firefly" (1981), "Live at the Village Vanguard" (1982), and "Just Be Yourself" (1985).
5. Yusef Lateef: A prolific musician, Lateef was renowned for his mastery of multiple instruments, including the flute. During the 1980s, he released several albums that showcased his versatility and unique approach to jazz, such as "Yusef Lateef's Little Symphony" (1981) and "Meta Yusef" (1986).
These artists helped shape the soundscape of jazz flute during the 1980s and left a lasting impact on the genre.