David Sanborn, renowned saxophonist who collaborated with stars including David Bowie, has died aged 78.
The death of the Grammy Award winning saxophonist Sanborn, was confirmed via a statement shared on X/Twitter.
In a career which lasted sixty years in the music business, David Sanborn toured and collaborated with household names include David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and the Rolling Stones, as well as Paul Simon and James Taylor.
Sanborn even recorded the renowned solo on David Bowie’s 1975 album, ‘Young Americans’.
He also performed at the iconic Woodstock Festival with the Butterfield Blues Band in 1969.
Tributes Paid
In a post shared via Sanborn’s official X account, it confirmed that the musician had been battling prostate cancer for the last number of years.
“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”, it said.
“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’”.
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. Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications. pic.twitter.com/VyW56OCkfc
— DavidSanborn (@DavidSanborn) May 13, 2024
In a statement shared via the official X account for Bowie, a tribute was paid to Sanborn, alongside a photo of the pair from a dinner at Montreux, Switzerland in 2002.
“Sad to learn of the passing of American alto saxophonist David Sanborn”, the statement began. “Bowie fans will know him best for his sublime work on Young Americans and David Live; he also played flute on the latter”.
RIP DAVID SANBORN
Sad to learn of the passing of American alto saxophonist, David Sanborn.
Bowie fans will know him best for his sublime work on Young Americans and David Live, he also played flute on the latter.
The sad news was posted on his social pages in the last hour…… pic.twitter.com/c7X30BUzSI
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) May 13, 2024
In a stellar career, David Sanborn also won his maiden Grammy Award in 1981 with his single, All I Need Is You. He also went on to release the album, Backstreet with Luther Vandross as guest vocalist.
Sanborn went on to win six Grammy Awards overall.
