Legendary saxophonist David Sanborn dies age 78
He played with everybody from David Bowie to Miles Davis
The jazz world is paying tribute to Grammy winning saxophonist David Sanborn who has died at the age of 78 following a long battle with prostate cancer. Sanborn grew up in Missouri and always said his saxophone playing was a direct result of contracting polio as a child - the doctors recommended he take up a wind instrument as a means to improve his breathing and strengthen his chest muscles, and he was already obsessed with jazz and big band from listening to late night radio.
He went on to give a unique instrumental sound to Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, Luther Vandross, Miles Davis and David Bowie performing the famous solo on ‘Young Americans’. The official X account for Bowie shared a 2002 picture of the pair during a dinner in Montreux, Switzerland, saying, “Sad to learn of the passing of American alto saxophonist David Sanborn,” a statement from the Bowie estate said. Bowie fans will know him best for his sublime work on Young Americans and David Live; he also played flute on the latter.”
He had a string of solo albums covering everything from smooth jazz and funk to avant-garde. Among the musicians paying tribute on social media today are Christian McBride, Gerald Albright, and Bob James, who said, “His legacy will live on through his many recordings.”
Sanborn’s social media accounts announced his death.
A statement said, “It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, six-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sanborn. Mr Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications.
“Mr Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018 but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. Indeed, he already had concerts scheduled for 2025.
“David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he ‘put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll’.”
During his career, Sanborn also toured with US star Stevie Wonder and was featured on his Talking Book album. He also collaborated with Paul Simon and James Taylor during his solo career, and he performed at the iconic 1969 Woodstock festival with the Butterfield Blues Band.
The single, ‘All I Need Is You’, won Sanborn his first Grammy for best R&B instrumental performance and in 1983, he released the hit album ‘Backstreet’ featuring Luther Vandross as a guest vocalist.
Later albums have included guest stars such as British star Eric Clapton.