Jane Little, a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since the group's founding during World War II, has died at the age of 87 after collapsing on stage.
Little collapsed yesterday during a performance of "There's No Business Like Show Business," the orchestra said.
She was briefly revived before dying at an Atlanta hospital.
The bassist was recognized by Guinness World Records for the longest professional tenure with a single orchestra earlier this year when she performed on February 4.
That was 71 years to the day of her first concert with the group's forerunner, the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra.
The Atlanta native had joined the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra at age 16, after two years of studying bass in high school, orchestra officials said.
Little's success in a role traditionally reserved for men served as an inspiration, said the orchestra's executive director, Jennifer Bariament.
"We can say that Jane was fortunate to do what she loved until the very end of her storied life and career," the orchestra said in a statement.
"The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra was truly blessed to have Jane as part of our family for the past 71 years and we all miss her passion, vitality, spirit and incredible talent.
