David Bowie's Young Americans saxophonist David Sanborn dies aged 78

13 May 2024 , 19:08

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Saxophonist David Sanborn performs at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival at the Hyatt Newporter Hotel in Newport Beach. (Photo by Robert Lachman/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Jazz saxophonist who played on David Bowie's Young Americans, David Sanborn, has died at the age of 78.

The musician had won several Grammy Awards during his career, with him also known for having collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and the Rolling Stones. He had been battling prostate cancer.

A statement was shared online, announcing David's passing. It read: "It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6-time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn."

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David Sanborn worked with many esteemed musicians and singers

The statement continued: "Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications.

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"Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025, David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he 'put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll.'"

Earlier this month, the musician cancelled some of his tour dates that were supposed to take place this month. Releasing a statement at the time, he said in a statement: "For the last weeks I’ve been dealing with unbelievable pain in my spine that prohibited me from walking, let alone playing my horn. We were finally able to diagnose the issue as two stressed fractures in my spine."

The saxophonist then underwent spinal surgery and was forced to take two months off work to rest. "Playing for all of you, friends, fans, staff, and supporters, is what keeps me alive. You have my assurance that as soon as I’ve healed … I will be back," he added to his statement, expressing his disappointment in needing to cancel his shows.

Although he made a name for himself as a solo artist, he was also known for touring with Stevie Wonder and playing on the musician’s Talking Book album. And as mentioned above, he worked with David Bowie, and played the saxophone solo on Young Americans, with him touring with the iconic star.

David was born on July 30, 1945, in Tampa, Florida, United States. He died of complications from prostate cancer in Tarrytown, New York, on May 12 after getting diagnosed with the disease in 2018. The musician is survived by his wife Alice Soyer.

Mollie Quirk