GRAMMY-winning saxophonist David Sanborn, who played with some of the biggest names in classic rock including Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie, has died at the age of 78.
A statement on his Instagram shared that he died on Sunday following a battle with prostate cancer.
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“It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6-time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn,” the statement read.
“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 into 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.'”
The musician is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Soyer.
According to his official bio, David was introduced to the saxophone after contracting polio at the age of 3.
“Little did the doctors know that it would turn into a lifetime path that I have been able to follow,” David said at a fundraiser in March.
“I have been able to find my way spiritually, creatively, emotionally – every way – through music. It opens doors you never imagine existed.”
MAKING MUSIC
Born in Florida in 1945, David Sandborn was playing with blues legends like Albert King and Little Milton by the age of 14.
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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.
Later, he would play with The Rolling Stones, and tour with David Bowie, recording the famous sax solo on the song, 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 him to become the host of the show Night Music (aka Sunday Night) which ran from 1988 to 1990.
Michaels was an executive producer of the show.
David also regularly hosted the After New Year’s Eve TV special on ABC, along with a syndicated radio program, The Jazz Show with David Sanborn.
ACTIVE UNTIL THE END
The music legend was still hosting his own podcast series, As We Speak, featuring guest musical luminaries such as 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 am alive to receive this,” he said at the time.
“I am deeply grateful and amazingly honored to receive this award in my hometown of St. Louis.”
“Music has sustained my life,” he added. “As a matter of fact, it kept me alive on every level.
“Music inspired me. I knew that whatever I did in my life, I had to be around music.”
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