Looking Back At David Sanborn's Music Journey: Pionir Saksofonis Smooth Jazz

JAKARTA - "Taking Off", David Sanborn's debut album studio in 1975 became one of the important milestones for saksofists who played light jazz and easy listening, which was later known as smooth jazz.

In the future, David Sanborn is called by music critics the most influential saksofists in the realm of pop music, R&B, and jazz crossovers with dozens of albums that have been produced.

Sanborn was born in No, Florida and grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri. As a child, he was diagnosed with polio, and was advised by doctors to study saxophones to strengthen his weak chest muscles and improve his breathing.

This coincidental thing turned out to bring Sanborn to his natural talent as a musician. He has been a brass section member for several blues musicians since he was a teenager. He also decided to continue his music studies at Northwestern University, Illinois.

In the early 1970s, Sanborn started his musical journey as a session player for many recordings from well-known musicians. Later, he became acquainted with jazz fusion and joined the Brecker Brothers.

In 1975, Sanborn started his musical journey by recording the album "Take Off" with Warner Bros Records. The album reached its 19th position on the Billboard charts for jazz albums.

Furthermore, Sanborn consistently released an album under Warner Bros Records. Voyeur, his sixth album studio in 1981 also brought his name as the winner of the Grammy Awards in the Best R&B Instrumental Performance category.

Sanborn continues to be consistent with the album's release. What he did led him to win six Grammy Awards and become a respected satisfionist. In fact, his name is recorded in St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Throughout his career, David Sanborn was also involved in many recordings of great musicians with various genres, namely George Benson, Michael Franks, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, David Bowie, Eric Bowie, Elton John, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bob James, Jaco Pastorius, to Gil Evans.

David Sanborn's musical journey stopped on May 12, 2024. He died after battling prostate cancer suffered over the past six years. However, Sanborn is still undergoing music activities in the midst of pain. He continued to perform concerts until his body could no longer survive.

His passing is a sorrow for many people. The music actors helped him through condolences, as well as those who enjoyed his works. David Sanborn has become an important milestone in the history of popular music in the world. His name will be remembered through his monumental works.