Died On This Date (January 29, 2009) Hank Crawford / Memphis Jazz Great
themusicsover Hank Crawford
December 21, 1934 – January 29, 2009
Hank Crawford was an alto saxophonist who, besides making several of his own acclaimed jazz recordings, was a sideman to some of the biggest names in popular music. Over the years he’s recorded with such greats as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Ray Charles for whom he was musical director in the early ’60s. As an arranger, Crawford has worked with the likes of Etta James and Lou Rawls. Hank Crawford passed away at the age of 74. He had been suffering from the results of a stroke for many years.
Special thanks to Susan Cross for the assist.
What You Should Own
Donny Hathaway was a soul singer and musician who is best remembered for his duets with former college classmate, Roberta Flack. The two recorded a series of hits throughout the ’70s. That catalog includes “The Closer I Get to You,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and “Where is the Love” which scored the pair a #1 single as well as a Grammy in 1973. Hathaway released several hit albums of his own as well. He began his career as a studio musician and songwriter in Chicago where he collaborated with the likes of Aretha Franklin and the Staple Singers. He soon became the house producer for 
Fletcher Henderson was a respected big band and swing jazz pianist, composer and band leader. During a career that began in the early ’20s, Henderson lead bands that included the likes of 
Known as the “Dark Prince of Reggae,” Keith Hudson was a reggae musician, singer, songwriter and producer who helped usher in the practice of “dub.” As a child growing up in Kingston, Hudson was a schoolmate of such future legends as 