Died On This Date (January 29, 2009) Hank Crawford / Memphis Jazz Great
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.