Internationally renowned saxophonist and Bienen School of Music alumnus David Sanborn ’67 died Sunday, May 12, 2024, at age 78.

Sanborn studied saxophone at the Northwestern University School of Music with Professor Frederick Hemke. He later attended the University of Iowa as a student of J. R. Monterose.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sanborn released 25 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and earned eight gold albums and one platinum album. He worked in many genres, including contemporary and instrumental pop, R&B, and jazz.

“On the mountain of legends who have influenced the course of both the saxophone and of jazz fusion, David Sanborn sits at the summit,” said Taimur Sullivan, current professor of saxophone at the Bienen School. “Sanborn redefined the sound and the capabilities of our instrument and forged a path that so many have followed for the past 50 years.”

After college, Sanborn joined the Butterfield Blues Band and played Woodstock with Paul Butterfield. He would go on to perform with such artists as Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Miles Davis, among many others. It was with Bowie that Sanborn recorded the famous solo heard on Young Americans.

“On the mountain of legends who have influenced the course of both the saxophone and of jazz fusion, David Sanborn sits at the summit."

- Taimur Sullivan, professor of saxophone

Sanborn’s solo release of Taking Off in 1975 further solidified his career. His 1979 release of Hideaway included the single, “Seduction,” which was featured in the movie American Gigolo. Sanborn won his first Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Performance for the single “All I Need Is You.”

Moving into television and radio, Sanborn hosted the show “Night Music” from 1988 to 1990. He also regularly hosted the "After New Year's Eve" TV special on ABC, as well as a syndicated radio program, “The Jazz Show with David Sanborn.” More recently, he created the show “Sanborn Sessions” for YouTube and hosted a podcast series called “As We Speak.”

According to statements on his social media, Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018 but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. The Bienen School of Music community mourns the loss of this distinguished alumnus.