Barney Rachabane was a renowned South African saxophonist and jazz musician best known for his comforting, soulful sound deeply rooted in straight-ahead jazz styles. Through a career that spanned decades, he became a beloved figure in South African music, gaining international recognition through significant collaborations, particularly with Paul Simon.
Born on March 2, 1946, in the Alexandra township near Johannesburg, South Africa, Barney Rachabane's musical journey started early. Both his parents played the organ at church, and as a child, he began playing the pennywhistle, before transitioning to the saxophone. By the age of seven, Barney was already performing in a pennywhistle band called The Little Bunnies, earning him the affectionate nickname "Bunny" Rachabane.
Rachabane rose to prominence in the South African jazz scene during the 1960s. By age 18, he was respected enough to substitute for the legendary Kippie Moeketsi in the Early Mabuza Quartet at the 1964 Castle Lager Jazz Festival. Throughout the 1960s, he performed in several bands with drummer Early Mabuza and recorded alongside jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Barney's influential career continued with the Soul Giants in 1968 and the Jazz Disciples, led by Tete Mbambisa, in Cape Town.
He formed the group Roots in 1976 with Dennis Mpale, Jabu Nkosi, and Sipho Gumede, further cementing his place in jazz history. Barney released solo albums such as "Blow Barney Blow" (1985) and "Barney's Way" (1989). His collaboration with Paul Simon on the "Graceland" album and subsequent world tours in 1986 brought him immense international recognition, with Simon himself describing Barney as "one of the most soulful saxophone players in the world."
Rachabane's sound was a beautiful blend of straight-ahead jazz saxophone styles with subtle African influences, which he incorporated authentically into his music. He was an incredibly versatile player, recording in various styles, including bump jive and mabone (sax jive), showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve across different musical genres.
Barney's collaborations were as varied as they were impactful. His work and tours with Paul Simon for the Graceland project are perhaps the most well-known. He also performed with the iconic Hugh Masekela and collaborated with Bruce Cassidy on the album "Conversations." In 2017, he reunited with Tete Mbambisa for a new edition of Tete's Big Sound.
Barney Rachabane is considered one of the legendary figures of the South African jazz scene. Even during the decline of jazz in South Africa in the 1970s and 80s, he remained active and continued to inspire. His work on "Graceland" earned him international recognition, and he is fondly remembered as a beloved figure in the world of music.
Barney was married to Elizabeth Rachabane, who passed away in 2021, and he was the father of four children, including his daughter Octavia, who followed in his musical footsteps. Known for his great sense of humor and storytelling ability, Barney left behind a profound legacy when he passed away on November 13, 2021, at the age of 75.
Barney Rachabane's musical contributions and collaborations exemplify his importance in the jazz community and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on both South African and global music landscapes.
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