RIP David Sanborn

David Sanborn, the legendary saxophonist, has died at the age of 78. Part of my adolescence has died as well. I played saxophone from elementary school through high school and in 1987 I discovered Sanborn when I bought the cassette of A Change of Heart. It was a fantastic mix of R&B and Contemporary Jazz. I wore it out. As I grew older, I have fond memories of seeing him sit in with David Letterman’s band - always a pleasure to listen to.

He contracted polio in his youth and began playing sax on a physician’s advice to strengthen his weakened chest muscles and improve his breathing, instead of studying the piano. When he was only 14 years old he performed with Blues legend Albert King.

Sanborn has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and popular music. His career spanned over six decades. He’s won six Grammy awards while also selling millions of albums. Along with his solo work, Sanborn collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton, further solidifying his status as a musical icon. That baritone sax on Springsteen’s “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”? It’s him. How about the sax on Bryan Ferry’s “Don’t Stop the Dance”? Yep, him again. But his most famous appearance? Maybe his sax playing on Bowie’s “Young Americans” - just perfect. Sanborn rose to prominence in the 1970s, quickly establishing himself as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

Throughout his career, Sanborn's distinctive sound and improvisational skills have set him apart as a true master of his craft. Whether he's performing ballads, blistering jazz solos, or funky R&B grooves, Sanborn's playing exudes an effortless elegance that resonates with listeners on a profound level.

In 2008, he told NPR, “If push comes to shove, I would describe myself more as coming out of the blues/R&B side of the spectrum. But I mean, if you play the saxophone, you certainly can’t escape the influence of jazz. So it’s not that I necessarily don’t, you know, want to be called a jazz musician. It’s just that I - you know, I don’t know if that’s totally accurate.”

His contributions to countless recordings and live performances have left an imprint on the landscape of contemporary music. Whether he was lighting up the stage with his electrifying solos or crafting intricate arrangements in the studio, Sanborn's influence will be missed and continue to be felt far and wide.