David Sanborn, a renowned Grammy-winning saxophonist recognized for his contributions to both jazz and pop music, has died at the age of 78. Sanborn passed away due to complications from prostate cancer, which he had been battling since 2018. Despite his illness, he continued to perform and had concerts planned as far ahead as 2025.
Born in Florida in 1945 and reared in Missouri, Sanborn's musical journey began after overcoming polio in his childhood, during which he was advised to play the saxophone to strengthen his lungs. He gained formal music knowledge at university, and his career took a significant leap when he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and performed at the Woodstock festival.
Throughout the 1970s, Sanborn became a prominent session musician. He notably played the iconic saxophone solo on David Bowie's "Young Americans" and performed on several of Bowie’s albums, including the "David Live" album in 1974. His extensive session work also included collaborations with notable figures like Stevie Wonder, Elton John, BB King, and Bruce Springsteen.
Sanborn’s solo career flourished in the 1980s with hits like his album "Voyeur," which reached No. 1 on the US jazz album chart. His innovative approach blended jazz with R&B, earning him a total of six Grammy Awards from sixteen nominations. Beyond performing, Sanborn also composed scores for films such as the "Lethal Weapon" series and collaborated on the music TV program "Night Music."
Despite health challenges, including recent stress fractures in his spine that disrupted some of his touring schedule, Sanborn remained active in the music scene until his death in May 2024.