Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 12, 1943 in Buffalo, NY

Death

:

December 17, 1999 in New York City, NY

 

Grover Washington, Jr. was an American jazz-funk saxophonist and composer who was born on December 12, 1943, in Buffalo, New York. He was the son of a church choir director and began playing the saxophone at the age of 8. Washington grew up in a musical family and was exposed to various genres of music, including gospel, R&B, and jazz. Washington attended the University of Buffalo, where he studied music education. He began his professional career as a sideman in the late 1960s, playing with various jazz and R&B bands. In 1970, he signed with Kudu Records, a subsidiary of CTI Records, and released his debut album, "Inner City Blues." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Washington as a rising star in the jazz-funk genre. Throughout the 1970s, Washington released a string of successful albums, including "All the King's Horses" (1972), "Feels So Good" (1975), and "Winelight" (1980). "Winelight" was his most successful album, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance. The album's hit single, "Just the Two of Us," a duet with Bill Withers, also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Washington's music was characterized by his smooth and soulful saxophone playing, which blended elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. He was known for his ability to create catchy melodies and grooves that appealed to a wide audience. His music was often featured in movies and television shows, including "The Cosby Show" and "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." In addition to his successful recording career, Washington was also a prolific live performer. He toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, playing at major jazz festivals and concert venues. He was known for his dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with his audience. Washington received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition to his Grammy Awards, he was also honored with a Soul Train Music Award and an NAACP Image Award. He was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 1985 and the International Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999. Tragically, Washington died on December 17, 1999, at the age of 56. He suffered a heart attack while taping an appearance on "The Early Show" on CBS. His death was a shock to the music world, and he was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike. Despite his untimely death, Washington's music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by fans around the world. His legacy as a pioneering jazz-funk saxophonist and composer lives on, and his influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps.

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