David Sanborn wasn’t just an iconic alto saxophonist, he influenced music in pop and R&B, but he influenced the entire music world. He brought his talented jazz playing to crossover from jazz to popularize saxophone in music of every style.
The music world recognized him with six Grammy Awards, eight gold albums and one platinum. His 25 music albums highlight his talent for making the saxophone sing.
The world will miss him after his battle with prostate cancer and complications. His passing on May 12, 2024, leaves a void in the music world. It’s impossible to think of someone filling his shoes in such a wide variety of music performances.
Who Was David Sanborn?
Growing up in Kirkwood, Missouri, Sanborn, a Tampa, Florida native, began playing the saxophone as a young boy after recovering from a severe case of polio. A doctor suggested he strengthen his lungs by playing a wind instrument.
By the time he was in his mid-teens, he had already shared the stage with blues legends like Albert King and Little Milton. His career took a significant turn when he joined the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Their performances included a memorable set at the iconic Woodstock festival in 1969.
Sanborn augmented his natural talent with formal education. Before enrolling at the University of Iowa to pursue further studies, he dedicated a year to studying music at Northwestern University.
From the 1970s on, Sanborn was one of the music industry’s most in-demand musicians. Throughout his career, he has collaborated as a session musician with a plethora of renowned artists, ranging from iconic figures like David Bowie and James Taylor to legendary bands such as The Rolling Stones and the exceptionally talented Stevie Wonder.
Sanborn, a renowned musician, boasts a prolific solo career with over 20 albums to his credit, among which two have earned Grammy awards: “Straight to the Heart” and “Double Vision.” Even after receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2018, he maintained a vigorous touring schedule and had plans for additional shows in the following year.
The captivating melodies and exceptional musicianship of the Sanborn albums have left a lasting impression on generations of artists and listeners, solidifying their status as some of the best albums ever created.
In the greatest album charts, the following albums by David Sanborn rank the highest:
- Inside. 1999
- Taking Off. 1975
- Backstreet. 1983
- Heart To Heart. 1978
- As We Speak. 1981
- Another Hand. 1991
- A Change Of Heart. 1987
- Close Up. 1988
Music lovers from all over the world and from many genres will mourn his passing for years to come.
The David Sanborn Legacy
![David Sanborn: Alto saxaphone](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/saxengin-akyurt-1E-PFrorFUA-unsplash-scaled.jpeg)
A prodigious and versatile musician, Sanborn attained an uncommon level of fame and popularity, setting him apart from his peers as a saxophone player. Aside from his musical talents, he loved to appear in person to talk about music.
Sanborn was a regular with Paul Shaffer’s band, which performed on “Late Night With David Letterman.” On his show “Night Music,” he shared the stage with renowned musicians like Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, and Lou Reed, among many others.
The “Night Music” was an example of how he loved to talk about music, especially jazz, and the creativity it offers to musicians. In a 2017 interview in Downbeat magazine, he said:
Jazz has always transformed and absorbed what’s around it. Real musicians don’t have any time to spend thinking about limited categories.
As talented a musician as David Sanborn was, perhaps his greatest legacy is encouraging musicians to explore music’s possibilities across genres. He believed that music in all its forms is open to every musician.
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About the Author
Zara Altair is a writer and author of historical mysteries set in 6th Century Italy. She is passionate about books, film, film history, and sharing her knowledge with others. Engage with Zara, her educational insights, and her tips for fellow writers by following her on X(Twitter) and Threads. Zara is a seasoned journalist and accomplished writer with deep expertise spanning entertainment, literature, film writing, neuroscience, and health. Zara blends critical analysis with a profound passion for storytelling.