David Sanborn, one of the best-known American saxophonists of his generation, has died.  He was 78.

Sanborn’s distinctive alto graced hundreds of recordings, notably David Bowie’s Young Americans, Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book, Gil Evans’ Svengali and eponymous albums by singers Gloria Gaynor, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin.

David Sanborn, 1945–2024

Born in Tampa, Florida, Sanborn took up saxophone as a teenager in order to strengthen his polio-weakened chest muscles. By 14 he was playing with blues musicians Little Milton and Albert King. His chief early influence was saxophonist Hank Crawford, whose piercing blues, soul, and gospel-drenched tone he emulated, then absorbed.

Sanborn joined The Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 1967 and appeared with the group at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. In 1972, Sanborn he soloed on the track Tuesday Heartbreak on the Stevie Wonder album Talking Book. His work in 1975 with David Bowie on Young Americans and on the James Taylor recording of How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) made him a star among the ranks of session players

In the mid-70s, Sanborn became active in the jazz fusion scene, joining the Brecker Brothers’ band. With the...