Saxophonist Sanborn hailed for ‘putting the saxophone back into rock n roll’

Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sanborn, who collaborated with stars including David Bowie, has died after an extended battle with prostate cancer at the age of 78.

During his six-decade career, Sanborn released 25 albums, toured with superstar Bowie, and recorded the renowned solo on Bowie’s 1975 hit Young Americans.

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Bowie, one of the most influential and revered musicians of the 20th century, shared a 2002 picture of the pair during a dinner in Montreux, Switzerland,

“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.”

Suffering from polio in his youth he was advised to take up the saxophone by a doctor.

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 Awardwinning saxophonist David Sanborn.

“Mr Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications.

“He 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 was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he ‘put the saxophone back into Rock n Roll.” Sanborn also toured with Stevie Wonder and was featured on his Talking Book album. He also played with The Rolling Stones and collaborated with Paul Simon and James Taylor during his solo career.

He also performed at the 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 Eric Clapton.

1975 the year he played on Bowie’s hit Young

Americans