Jazz singer Al jarreau has died
Listen to this articleJazz singer Al Jarreau passed away here in Los Angeles. He had been hospitalized for exhaustion shortly before he died.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-born singer, Alwin Lopez Jarreau, started his music career as a rehabilitation counselor, and sang with various jazz groups as a sideline gig. In 1968 decided to make singing his full time career and moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
His first two albums, We Got By and Glow, received critical acclaim and on February 14, 1976 Jarreau made his television debut on the new program, Saturday Night Live. Actor Peter Boyle was the guest host.
Jarreau’s fifth album, Breakin’ Away became a commercial success with the hit song “We’re In This Love Together” catapulting the singer to great acclaim.
Since then Jarreau has gone on to success in music (he won seven Grammy Awards and nominated for over a dozen more) that includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Soul Music Hall of Fame.
Jarreau has performed with artists Natalie Cole, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, David Sanborn, Kathleen Battle, George Benson and more.
In 1986 he was a featured singer on the charity song, “We Are The World,” which was for USA For Africa to help the people suffering in a famine.
The singer has performed extensively throughout his musical career, appearing on television, Broadway and stages around the world. He’s performed duets with singers and instrumentalists, played with small jazz bands and with large symphony orchestras.
He was a great talent know for his scat vocals. His fans continued to support as Jarreau toured the world. On February 8 he was hospitalized for exhaustion; he cancelled the remainder of his tour and retired from touring. On February 12 he passed away. He was 76 years old.
Photos from Wikipedia
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