Answer:
Was
Explanation:
A linking verb is a type of verb that identifies a subject in a sentence and connects it to an adjective or noun.
Furthermore, unlike other types of verbs, they do not describe any direct action taken.
Therefore, the linking verb in "New Orleans cornetist Charles Bolden was a pioneer in the world of jazz music, according to many music historians." is WAS
<span>Tom's surprise is a good example of irony since he has lived his whole life in sin and shouldn't be so startled to see the devil, the very embodiment of sin, in front of him. His surprise also conveys the idea that either Tom has very little self-awareness about his own spiritual self, or he simply doesn't care.</span>