Al Jarreau was a legendary American singer and songwriter celebrated for his exceptional vocal range and genre-defying style that fused jazz, pop, R&B, and soul. Over a remarkable five-decade career, he earned seven Grammy Awards and captivated audiences worldwide with hits like "We're in This Love Together" and the iconic "Moonlighting" theme.
Al Jarreau was an acclaimed American singer and songwriter known for his versatile vocal abilities and innovative style that blended jazz, pop, R&B, and soul. Over a career spanning five decades, Jarreau consistently pushed the boundaries of vocal jazz and popular music, becoming one of the most respected and versatile vocalists in the music industry.
Born Alwin Lopez Jarreau on March 12, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jarreau was the fifth of six children in a musical family. His father was a Seventh-day Adventist Church minister and singer, while his mother was a church pianist. From a young age, Jarreau sang in the church choir and at local events, displaying remarkable musical talent.
He graduated from Ripon College in 1962 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and later earned a Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Iowa in 1964.
While working as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco, Jarreau began performing in local jazz clubs. In 1967, he formed a duo with guitarist Julio Martinez, playing regularly at Gatsby's in Sausalito. Encouraged by his growing success, Jarreau decided to pursue music full-time, moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s.
Jarreau's breakthrough came with his 1977 live album "Look to the Rainbow," which earned him his first Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance.
Known for his versatile vocal range, Jarreau seamlessly incorporated elements of jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel in his music. He earned the nickname "Acrobat of Scat" for his innovative vocal techniques that captivated audiences worldwide.
Al Jarreau maintained strong ties to his hometown of Milwaukee, often returning to encourage young artists. He was awarded the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music's Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2016.
Jarreau passed away on February 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, due to respiratory failure, but left a lasting impact on the music industry, bridging multiple genres and inspiring countless musicians.
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