Al Jarreau, the 70s and 80s Jazz voice that broke sales records and stereotypes, has died at the age of 76. Al crossed the lines of Jazz, Pop, and contemporary music on his way to winning a stunning seven Grammys, while being nominated for a dozen more.
Al was born in Milwaukee, WI in 1940, his father a seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, his mother the church pianist. In the late 60s, Al spent time in the Los Angeles Jazz clubs, performing in front of Hollywood’s ‘A’ list; Diana Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglass and Johnny Carson.
His big break didn’t come from a dark smoky night club discovery, rather it arrived in the soundtracks that he laid down for the poplar TV show ‘Moonlighting’ and a guest appearance in ‘SNL’ in 1976.
Al Jarreau’s most popular album was ‘Breakin’ Away’ which provided the hit single ‘We’re In This Love Together.’ Al earned two honorary degrees from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, the other from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was also honored with his very own Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 2001.
We will miss the smooth Jazz/Pop sound of Al Jarreau, a one of a kind.