Famous jazz saxophonist David Sanborn dies

Los Angeles, United States, May 14: David Sanborn, a well-liked jazz saxophonist who contributed credits to several Stevie Wonder and David Bowie tunes, has departed from this life. He was eighty-eight.

The musician’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a number of messages announcing his passing on Sunday, citing problems from prostate cancer.

We regret to inform you of the passing of globally renowned saxophonist David Sanborn, a six-time Grammy Award winner. Following a protracted fight with complications related to prostate cancer, Mr. Sanborn died away on Sunday afternoon, May 12th,” the message said.

According to his account, he has been battling prostate cancer since 2018, but he just felt healthy enough to start doing live performances again, with dates set until 2025. He canceled three Virginia gigs scheduled for May last month, citing health concerns, according to Variety.

Following his passing, online users wrote moving obituaries.

“I vividly recall hearing “Port of Call” for the first time in the ninth grade. I learned aloud in high school because of him. Very upset by this news,” a person said on X on social media.

Another said of her, “A great talent whose music will live forever.”

He had earlier said in a statement that “I’ve been dealing with unbelievable pain in my spine for the last few weeks, which has prevented me from even walking, let alone playing my horn.” At last, we were able to identify the problem as two strained fractures in my back. I had an unplanned spinal surgery last week. The surgeon says the operation went well, but I have to rest for six to eight weeks and not play my horn.”

Sanborn gained notoriety for straddling genres throughout the course of his multi-decade career, incorporating jazz tendencies into pop, R&B, and rock albums. Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Carly Simon, Billy Joel, Steely Dan, Grateful Dead, and many more artists were among the performers he shared the stage with. He recorded 25 albums as a solo artist, starting with his 1975 debut, “Taking Off.”

In addition to producing music, Sanborn was the presenter of the podcast As We Speak and the syndicated radio show The Jazz Show. He and his brother-in-law collaborated on a YouTube series titled Sanborn Sessions.