GRAMMY-winning saxophonist David Sanborn has died at age 78.
The musician is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Soyer.
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A statement on his Instagram shared that he had died after a battle with prostate cancer.
“It is with a sad and heavy heart that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned and six-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sanborn,” the statement read.
“Mr. Sanborn passed away on the afternoon of Sunday, May 12, after a long battle with prostate cancer with complications.”
The statement, posted to his Instagram, explains: “Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but was able to maintain his normal performing schedule until recently.
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“David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. He is said to have ‘put the saxophone back in Rock ‘n Roll’.”
According to your official biographyDavid was introduced to the saxophone after contracting polio at the age of 3.
“Little did the doctors know that this would turn into a lifelong path that I was able to follow,” David said in a fundraising in March. “I’ve been able to find my spiritual, creative and emotional path – in every way – through music. It opens doors you never knew existed.”
MAKING MUSIC
By age 14, he was playing with legends like Albert King and Little Milton.
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As an adult, he played at Woodstock with Paul Butterfield.
David also toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for Stevie’s Talking Book album.
He later played with the Rolling Stones and toured with David Bowie, recording the famous solo heard on Young Americans.
David also had an illustrious television career.
He was a member of the Saturday Night Live Band in 1980 and was a regular guest member of Paul Shaffer’s band on Late Night with David Letterman.
His relationship with SNL creator Lorne Michaels led to him hosting the show Night Music from 1988 to 1990.
Dave also regularly hosted the TV special After New Year’s Eve on ABC, along with a syndicated radio show, The Jazz Show with David Sanborn.
ACTIVE UNTIL THE END
The music legend even hosted his own podcast series, As We Speak, featuring guest musical luminaries like Sonny Rollins, Cécile McLorin Salvant and more.
In March, David was honored with a lifetime achievement award for jazz music.
“I’m so glad I’m alive to receive this” he said at the time.
“I am deeply grateful and extremely honored to receive this award in my hometown of St. Louis.”
“Music has sustained my life,” he added. “It actually kept me alive on every level.
“Music inspired me. I knew that whatever I did in my life, I would have to be around music.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
