Alan Greenspan, a highly influential economist and former chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has died at the age of 100. He led the Fed from 1987 to 2006, navigating several economic crises with a strong belief in free market principles and low interest rates. However, his policies were later criticized for contributing to the 2008 financial crisis, as the Fed did not adequately regulate risky mortgage lending practices. Greenspan initially championed self-regulation of the market but later acknowledged the need for stricter oversight following the crisis. Before his economic career, Greenspan was a professional musician, playing clarinet and saxophone in a jazz band after studying at the Juilliard School. He later transitioned to economics, founding a consulting firm and advising President Nixon. Despite being offered a position in Nixon’s administration, Greenspan ultimately remained in the private sector.