Bill Cosby is retiring as master of ceremonies of the annual Playboy Jazz Festival after more than 30 years.

This weekend's festival at the Hollywood Bowl will be his last turn at the show's helm.

Cosby has been a fixture at the gathering of jazz luminaries since the first Los Angeles festival was held in 1979.

Artists he's introduced over the years have ranged from Miles Davis to Lionel Hampton to Sarah Vaughan.

Hugh Hefner says in a statement that Cosby's comedic talent and passion for jazz have made an immeasurable contribution to the success of the festival.