Joe Sample was an influential American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer born on February 1, 1939, in Houston, Texas. He began playing piano at the age of five and was exposed to various musical styles growing up, including gospel, soul, bebop, blues, Latin, and classical music.
In high school in the 1950s, Sample formed a group called the Swingsters with saxophonist Wilton Felder and drummer Nesbert "Stix" Hooper. While studying music at Texas Southern University, they added trombonist Wayne Henderson and other players, eventually becoming the Jazz Crusaders.
Moving to Los Angeles in 1960, the Jazz Crusaders quickly found success, releasing their first album "Freedom Sound" in 1961. The group initially played hard bop jazz but stood out for their unique saxophone and trombone front-line combination. Sample's funky, rhythmic piano playing was a key part of the Jazz Crusaders' sound.
In the late 1960s, Sample helped steer the group towards a fusion of jazz and soul music. In 1971, they shortened their name to simply The Crusaders and incorporated more electric instruments and popular styles.
While continuing to work with The Crusaders, Sample pursued a solo career and became an in-demand session musician in Los Angeles. He pioneered the use of electric keyboards and played on recordings by artists like Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Steely Dan.
Sample released his first solo album "Fancy Dance" in 1969, with his 1978 album "Rainbow Seeker" marking his true solo debut on MCA Records. Over his career, he recorded nearly 20 solo albums, many in the contemporary or smooth jazz category.
Some of Sample's notable solo albums include:
Sample remained with The Crusaders until their final album in 1991 and participated in their 2003 reunion album "Rural Renewal."
Throughout his career, Sample incorporated various musical styles into his work and was known for his sophisticated compositions and arrangements. He explained that music, particularly the piano, served as a sanctuary for him growing up in segregated Houston.
In addition to his work with The Crusaders and as a solo artist, Sample formed the CreoleJoe Band later in his career, releasing an album in 2013. He also collaborated with numerous other musicians and continued to perform into his later years.
Joe Sample passed away on September 12, 2014, in Houston, Texas at the age of 75, leaving behind a rich musical legacy spanning over five decades.
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