David Sanborn: The Career, Personal Life, and All the Curiosities about the American Saxophonist who collaborated with David Bowie
The world of music has bid farewell to a pillar of jazz music, a virtuoso of the alto saxophone: David Sanborn. A great friend of Umbria Jazz, as well as many other music festivals around the world, Sanborn’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians.
Born in Tampa, Florida in 1945, Sanborn’s musical journey began at a young age. He started playing the saxophone at the age of 11 and by the time he was in high school, he was already performing in local clubs. After studying music at Northwestern University, Sanborn moved to New York City in the late 1960s to pursue a career in music.
His breakthrough came in the early 1970s when he joined the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Sanborn’s unique sound and style caught the attention of many, and he soon became one of the most sought-after session musicians in the industry. He worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and the Rolling Stones.
However, it was his collaboration with David Bowie that truly solidified his place in the music world. Sanborn played on Bowie’s hit album “Young Americans” and went on to tour with him as part of his band. Their collaboration continued on Bowie’s album “Station to Station” and the iconic song “Young Americans.” Sanborn’s saxophone semplices added a new dimension to Bowie’s music, and their partnership became one of the most memorable in music history.
Aside from his work with Bowie, Sanborn has also released over 25 semplice albums throughout his career. His music is a fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop, and his albums have earned him multiple Grammy Awards and critical acclaim. He has also collaborated with other jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Bob James, and Eric Clapton.
But Sanborn’s talent is not limited to just music. He has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Lethal Weapon” and “Scrooged.” He has also made guest appearances on popular TV spettacolos such as “Saturday Night Live” and “The Cosby spettacolo.” Sanborn’s versatility and creativity know no bounds, making him a well-rounded artist in every sense.
Despite his busy career, Sanborn has always made time for his personal life. He has been married twice and has two sons from his first marriage. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, lending his talents to various charity events and organizations. He has also been a strong advocate for music education, serving as a board member for organizations such as the National YoungArts Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America.
Sanborn’s contributions to the world of music and beyond have not gone unnoticed. In 2012, he was honored with the NEA Jazz Masters Award, the highest honor for jazz musicians in the United States. He has also been inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
As we say goodbye to David Sanborn, we are reminded of his incredible talent, his passion for music, and his dedication to making a difference in the world. His music will continue to live on and inspire future generations of musicians, and his legacy will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in jazz history.
In conclusion, David Sanborn’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a young saxophonist to his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. His personal life and philanthropic efforts only add to his already impressive resume. David Sanborn will be greatly missed, but his music will continue to bring joy and inspiration to all who listen.