Saxophonist David Sanborn, known for his work with David Bowie and more, dead at 78

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sanborn, who played on David Bowie’s Young Americans and collaborated with stars like Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones and more, died in New York on Sunday afternoon after an extended battle with prostate cancer. He was 78.

“Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018 but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently,” read a message on Sanborn’s social media page. “Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025. David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he ‘put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll.’”

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. pic.twitter.com/VyW56OCkfc

— DavidSanborn (@DavidSanborn) May 13, 2024

Throughout his six decade career, Sanborn released 25 studio albums, toured with British powerhouse David Bowie and recorded the iconic sax solo on Bowie’s 1975 album Young Americans.

The Bowie estate shared a 2002 photo of the pair from Switzerland in remembrance of the late musician, writing “Sad to learn of the passing of American alto saxophonist David Sanborn. Bowie fans will know him best for his sublime work on Young Americans and David Live; he also played flute on the latter."

RIP DAVID SANBORN

Sad to learn of the passing of American alto saxophonist, David Sanborn.

Bowie fans will know him best for his sublime work on Young Americans and David Live, he also played flute on the latter.

The sad news was posted on his social pages in the last hour...… pic.twitter.com/c7X30BUzSI

— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) May 13, 2024

Sanborn was also seen on tour with American singer Stevie Wonder, featured on his 1972 hit album Talking Book, as well as performing with the Butterfield Blues Band at the iconic 1969 Woodstock festival.

Sanborn’s first Grammy arrived after the 1981 single ‘All I Need Is You’.