David Sanborn: Grammy winner and David Bowie collaborator dies at 78

David Sanborn, a jazz saxophonist who won six Grammy Awards and contributed to classic albums by Stevie Wonder and David Bowie, has passed away aged 78 years.

In a series of updates on X (previously known as Twitter), his official account announced that the musician died on Sunday from complications related to prostate cancer.

“It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6 time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications.”

According to his account, he had been contending with prostate cancer since 2018.

Recently, he had been feeling well enough to resume live performances, with shows scheduled through 2025.

He announced last month that he was canceling several shows in Virginia scheduled for May due to health problems.

In a statement, he explained, “for the last weeks I’ve been dealing with unbelievable pain in my spine that prohibited me from walking, let alone playing my horn,” he wrote in a statement.

“We were finally able to diagnose the issue as two stressed fractures in my spine. Last week I underwent an unexpected spinal surgery. The doctors assure me the procedure was a success, but recovery is 6 to 8 weeks of doing nothing, including not playing my horn.”

Over his career spanning several decades, Sanborn became recognised for crossing genres, infusing jazz elements into pop, R&B, and rock music.

He collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Carly Simon, Billy Joel, Steely Dan, the Grateful Dead, and many more.

Among his numerous recordings, one of his significant contributions was to David Bowie's "Young Americans" album in 1975.

Sanborn earned his first Grammy in 1982 for "All I Need Is You," winning in the Best R&B Instrumental Performance category.