Al Jarreau, a renowned jazz singer who won seven Grammy awards, died on Sunday in a Los Angeles hospital, according to his manager. He was 76.
Jarreau had been treated for fatigue and announced his retirement from touring last week due to exhaustion. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
Music Career and Legacy ¶
Jarreau was known for his versatility in merging different styles and reaching new audiences through television. He sang the theme song for the popular 1980s TV series Moonlighting and participated in the 1985 song We Are the World, a project that brought together a large cast of music stars to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
His manager, Joe Gordon, described Jarreau as a gentleman who prioritized healing and comforting others through his music.
His first priority, far ahead of the other, was healing or comforting anyone in need,
Gordon wrote on Jarreau's website.
Song was just his tool for making that happen.
Jarreau grew up in Milwaukee, where he was exposed to various musical influences, including jazz, blues, and classical music. He began singing in church and at school and later performed in bars as a teenager. Although he initially pursued a career in counseling, he eventually turned to music and made his breakthrough in Los Angeles in 1975.
Tributes and Remembrance ¶
Gregory Porter, who won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, praised Jarreau as
one of the greatest jazz voices that ever lived.
Porter added,
Jazz is the music of freedom and Al Jarreau epitomized that.
Jarreau's family has requested that mourners make contributions to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, which supports young people and recently honored Jarreau with a lifetime achievement award.
