Cancer claims top sax, 78
RIPThe magnificent saxophonist David Sanborn has died of prostate cancer, which he had endured for six years. He took up the instrument on doctors’ orders as a child to strengthen his chest muscles and improve his breathing after contracting poliomyelitis.
Official statement:
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6 time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications.
Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025.
David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he “put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll.”
I heard this earlier today from someone who was aorking out a contract for a future engagement for David. Despite his age, a tragic loss for the jazz world. Sanborn was a legend who will live on in his recordings.
Sorry to hear this. In addition to being a brilliant and gifted soloist, he was a fun person to be around.
I’ve listened to Dave Sanborn for over 40 years and he Will ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE SAXOPHONIST
Great player. Don’t forget his livestuff w/Butterfield.
A legend. I saw him at Blue Note a few years back and it’s one of the best gigs Ive seen in many, many years. RIP
I had no idea he was 78 years old! I haven’t heard him in some time but I would have thought he was at least 10-15 years younger.
Listen to his great solo work on the Eagles’ “The Sad Cafe’.” (The Long RUN album, final track 1979)
We studied together at Northwestern University. Several of us would stand outside his studio when he was practicing. A great talent and a sweet guy.
Heard him first with the Butterfield Blues Band in 1969 and played on the ‘California Soul’ shows that he appeared on at the Beacon Theatre in NYC in 1976. Amazing, influential player and yes, a nice guy.
Throughout my life have always had a love and passion for the sound of the saxophone. My wife and I have traveled around the world just to attend jazz festivals. Unfortunately, David is one of the very few great jazz artists we have yet to hear live. He was on our list to see at the Birchmere.
Preforming until the very end, he had that true love to perform and entertain…Rest in peace.
He was a legend and great talent.
It was the vaccine which aged him horribly in these last years.
Numpty! How would you know ? Show us your medical qualifications.