Grammy museum hosts Al Jarreau talk and performance

Al Jarreau reminisces on his early days with his old friend George Duke at the Grammys' Clive Davis Theatre.

Published 29th Oct 2014

Grammy award winning jazz singer Al Jarreau performed to an intimate audience at the Clive Davis Theatre, part of the Grammy museum.

Jarreau spoke of his early collaboration with keyboardist George Duke’s trio in San Francisco in the 1960s. He also performed a set from his recent Billboard Jazz chart topping tribute album ‘My Old Friend’, which celebrates the music of the late George Duke. The album includes nine Duke compositions and guest appearances from Grammy winners Lalah Hathaway, Dr. John and Dianne Reeves.

"George Duke and I go back to when we were both puppies in San Francisco," said Jarreau. "The only one who knows George longer than I know George is the preacher who baptized him and his mama."

Jarreau won his first Grammy in 1978 for his album ’All Fly Home’, taking the ‘Best Jazz Vocal Performance’ gong. His most recent Grammy award is from 2006 for ‘Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance’ for his cover of ‘God Bless The Child’ with Jill Scott. The song featured on a collaborative effort with George Benson.

The nominations for the 2015 Grammys will be announced on December 5th. Jazz FM tips Al Jarreau to be amongst them.