Revered jazz saxophonist dies at 81
Acclaimed American jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders has died at 81.
The news was confirmed yesterday in a statement posted on social media by his record label, Luaka Bop.
“We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed away,” it said. “He died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends in Los Angeles earlier this morning. Always and forever, the most beautiful human being.”
Born Farrell Sanders in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1940, Sanders’ career began in Oakland, California. After moving to New York in the 1960s he started collaborating with Sun Ra, who gave him the name Pharoah, before becoming a member of jazz great John Coltrane’s band. Sanders played with Coltrane until the latter’s death in 1967.
Sanders was a pivotal figure in the spiritual jazz scene. His 1969 album Karma is regarded as one of the major early documents of the form.