David Sanborn
July 30, 1945 – May 12, 2024
As reported by Lisa Respers at CNN, renowned saxophonist David Sanborn, whose mastery spanned genres from pop and R&B to jazz, has passed away at the age of 78.
The news was shared via his social media accounts with a heartfelt 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.”
Despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, Sanborn continued to perform until recently, with concert dates scheduled as far ahead as 2025.
Born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Missouri, Sanborn discovered his passion for the saxophone as part of his recovery from polio at the age of three, according to his website. By the time he was 14, he was already playing alongside legends such as Albert King and Little Milton. Sanborn later pursued music studies at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he had the opportunity to play and study with the renowned saxophonist JR Monterose.
Sanborn’s career soared when he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and performed at Woodstock with Paul Butterfield. He later collaborated with musical icons like Stevie Wonder, recording on Wonder’s Talking Book album, and played with the Rolling Stones and David Bowie. He also worke with other notable artists such as Paul Simon and James Taylor.
In 1975, Sanborn released his debut solo album, Taking Off, followed by Hideaway in 1979. Throughout his career, Sanborn’s albums featured the likes of Luther Vandross, Christian McBride, Eric Clapton, and many more.
Sanborn won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance with “All I Need Is You” in 1981. Over the years, he earned a total of six Grammy Awards, eight gold albums, and one platinum album. He continued to tour successfully for decades.
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