David Sanborn

Bio

David Sanborn (1945–2024) was an American alto saxophonist whose warm, blues-inflected tone made him one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary jazz. Born in Tampa, Florida, he began playing professionally in the late 1960s and soon became a sought-after session musician, contributing to landmark recordings by Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and the Brecker Brothers. Over a five-decade career, Sanborn released more than two dozen albums that blended cool jazz, jazz-funk, and smooth-jazz sensibilities. His 1980s releases—including the Grammy-winning "Double Vision" with Bob James—helped define the sound of radio-friendly instrumental jazz while still retaining a strong improvisational core. He also maintained an active touring schedule and hosted long-running syndicated radio and television programs that introduced new listeners to jazz.