Legendary jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders has died. He was 81.
The news was announced by David Byrne's Luaka Bop, the label that released Promises, Sanders's acclaimed 2021 collaboration with Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra. According to the label, Sanders died today in Los Angeles while surrounded by family and friends. "Always and forever the most beautiful human being, may he rest in peace," the message states.
The news was announced by David Byrne's Luaka Bop, the label that released Promises, Sanders's acclaimed 2021 collaboration with Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra. According to the label, Sanders died today in Los Angeles while surrounded by family and friends. "Always and forever the most beautiful human being, may he rest in peace," the message states.
Born in Little Rock, AR, in 1940, Sanders had been active in the jazz world since the 1960s, when he played in John Coltrane's band. He additionally played on albums by Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman and many others. He also amassed a large catalogue as a bandleader.
Sanders was closely linked to the spiritual jazz movement. His 1969 album Karma is a landmark work in the genre.
Sanders had a crossover hit just last year with Promises. His collaborator on that album, Floating Points, tweeted a tribute, writing, "I am so lucky to have known this man, and we are all blessed to have his art stay with us forever."