David Sanborn, a renowned American alto saxophonist, was born on July 30, 1945, in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in Kirkwood, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, Sanborn's musical journey began in a rather unexpected manner. After contracting polio at age three, which resulted in impaired respiration and a shorter left arm, Sanborn was introduced to the saxophone at age 11 as part of his treatment therapy. This instrument soon became his lifelong passion.
By age 14, Sanborn was playing alongside blues musicians in local St. Louis clubs. His early influences were blues saxophonist Hank Crawford and the vibrant rock 'n' roll saxophone riffs in songs by Fats Domino and Little Richard.
David Sanborn pursued music studies at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he studied with acclaimed saxophonist J.R. Monterose. His professional journey leaped forward when he joined the Butterfield Blues Band, notably performing at Woodstock in 1969.
Sanborn's professional career is marked by his debut solo album "Taking Off" in 1975 and his prolific work as a session musician. He collaborated with many notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Paul Simon, and James Taylor, to name a few. His famed saxophone solo on David Bowie's "Young Americans" is particularly well-remembered.
Throughout his career, Sanborn won six Grammy Awards, with albums achieving eight Gold and one Platinum status. His 1979 album "Hideaway" and the single "Seduction" made notable impacts.
David Sanborn was known for his unique blend of instrumental pop, R&B, and jazz, though he largely disliked the "smooth jazz" label. His sound marked a significant influence on pop, R&B, and crossover saxophonists. Additionally, Sanborn explored various genres, motivated by mentors like Roscoe Mitchell and Julius Hemphill.
Despite his battles with prostate cancer since 2018, Sanborn's legacy is profound, leaving behind a transformative impact on music. He passed away on May 12, 2024, at the age of 78 in Tarrytown, New York. Sanborn was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame and altered the popular music scene, defining the sound of the alto saxophone for generations.
David Sanborn's career spanned over six decades, during which he continuously pushed boundaries and challenged himself musically. His unique sound and versatility across genres made him one of the most commercially successful and influential saxophonists of his time.
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