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David Sanborn
1945 - 2024
David Sanborn
1945 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1945
DIED
2024
David Sanborn Obituary
David Sanborn was a six-time Grammy-winning saxophonist whose smooth jazz broke through to the mainstream, with a dozen albums hitting the Billboard Top 200.
We invite you to share condolences for David Sanborn in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
70 Entries
Lynne Jebens
July 2, 2025
It is hard for me to believe that it is been a year. I still will up in tears when I hear a Sanborn song come on. So much music was left for us, but I wish there had been time for Moore. Please know, David, how much you are missed And respected.
Ty ( Fan)
June 30, 2025
I was late to the party, found Dave Sanborn on V98.7 in Detroit 2001. Loved the outdoor 3-day concerts in Southfield during the summers!
Also, met a nice woman who spoke so affectionally about her little brother and his accomplishments in PA!
Small world, Great People. RIP Smooth Jazz Legend!
Vicki Ford
April 7, 2025
My girlfriend turned me on to David in the 80s. He's been my favorite jazz artist ever since. I can't believe it's been almost a yr already since his passing. I have seen David a few times in concert, whenever I got the chance. My favorite song is The Dream. Everytime I hear the song it moves something inside of me, touches me to my very core. I remember going up to the stage with money and had written The Dream on the bill. Sometimes he played it for me and sometimes he couldnt due to time restraints. But his concerts were always magical. Forever in my heart
Vicki
Geno Cordova
January 2, 2025
In Loving Memory of David Sanborn:
David's music hit my soul back in 1976 when I was just a freshman in high school. I was deep into rock and hard metal, but a friend from choir handed me a tape and said, "Hey, listen to this." That moment changed my life forever. When "Hideaway" came out, I would listen to it on repeat, pretending to be him. It struck me like a rock, right to my very core, and transformed how I appreciate all forms of music.
I can't count how many friends and lovers I've introduced to David's music. Their reactions were always the same: "WHO IS THIS? WOW!" It's a sad day when an artist like David leaves us. He will forever be in my heart, and I am eternally grateful for his influence.
As a Chef at Dickies Arena, I've been inspired by all types of music. We've hosted some of the greatest artists on our stage-Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, James Taylor. I only wish I could have seen David perform here.
Thank you, David, for years of amazing music with some of the greatest artists in the world. You truly changed my outlook on music and deepened my appreciation for different styles and genres. May you rest in peace. You will always be remembered and truly loved by me and so many others. You were a true legend with that sweet, beautiful alto saxophone.
How you can show support
Elizabeth and John Hickey
November 25, 2024
Watching the live stream tribute to David.
David you are missed so much, your music will live on and tributes like this one are wonderful!!
Thank you to Alice and all the fantastic musicians who made this possible.
Ryan Farnsworth
November 20, 2024
David Sanborn was the reason why I decided to pick up the saxophone way back in 5th grade. His Change of Heart album was inspiration as I developed my talent.
Carla O'Leary
October 27, 2024
David Sanborn's music is woven in the tapestry of our lives, in mine as far back as I can remember. Whether he was contributing to other artists and their musical compitalitions, or gracing us with the body of his own magical solo work, his music stirred the soul, and always gave me a transcendencecy beyond a normal musical experience...I listen all day to music, but when a particular piece of David's comes round, it always causes me to stop what I'm doing, pause, and actively listen. I hope he is aware of the joy he has brought to so many of us. I miss him everyday too, and can only imagine what more he might have done. Sending love and thanks to his family who shared him so selflessly with the world.
L. Bell
October 26, 2024
I first heard his music back in the mid-80's on my favorite New York City radio station, Smooth Jazz 101.9. I fell in love and have been hooked on him ever since. David was scheduled to be in Norfolk, Virginia the week that he passed away. I was hoping to see him for the first time for that performance. Thank you David for sharing your talent and the art of music. Rest in peace, David. I will always be your fan.
DARLENE FESCE
July 30, 2024
i miss David Sanborne everyday DARLENE FESCE
Tony
July 26, 2024
My heartfelt condolences are offered to the family, many, many friends, colleagues and devoted army fans of Mr. David Sanborn. Mr. David Sanborn was a six-time Grammy-winning saxophonist whose smooth jazz broke through to the mainstream, with a dozen albums hitting the Billboard Top 200. He was greatly admired by many fellow artists and all those who knew him. May the love and many, many special memories you shared with your devoted loved one show how much your life was touched by him. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Mr. David Sanborn. May his music and legacy keep his memory alive forever. Thank you for Mr. David Sanborn's contribution to the Jazz industry.
C Ivey
July 24, 2024
My goodness! I was a preteen In northwest Indiana and Chicago land area and we had one of the best smooth jazz radio stations ever it was 95.5 WNUA! That was When I was introduced to smooth jazz with artists like the wonderful David Sanborn! I want to thank you for giving me Expansion of a more sophisticated music experience. Rest well Mr. Sanborn. Your physical being Will be greatly missed but the music will forever live on.
Ricky Williams
June 25, 2024
Rest in Eternal Peace David Sanborn. I know that God has a plan for all of us when we leave this place. Thank you for the memories and your great music.
Glenna Horton
June 25, 2024
I am a huge fan,it is very hard for me to believe you're gone. Your music has been in every situation I've been in and help me through a lot. I love all your music but I love Just More Than Friends and Chicago Song especially live with the bass player
You will be truly miss.
kelvin ellison
June 22, 2024
I was a senior in high school and I heard the song I Told U So. As soon as I got my allowance, I bought the cassette of Backstreet and I have been hooked ever since
Barbara Williamson
June 15, 2024
I really appreciate his music
Lill Lin
June 11, 2024
My first memory of David Sanborn was when I was a newly wed and hearing my husband, in the mid 80s, playing "Straight To The Heart" over and over again and "air playing" a saxophone to that song and other songs! Memories of hearing this song brings back those fond memories.
Many years ago one of the oldest books written said "Does not the ear test out words As the tongue tastes food?" Even without the words, we can often tell what kind of mood or spirit a piece is designed to produce, what kind of conduct it encourages. That is the case with David Sanborn's music, it certainly had a positive effect on us. Thank you David Sanborn, band members and family!
Yancey
June 9, 2024
You were my introduction to smooth Jazz in 1981. I will never forget you as you left wondering memories etched in my heart forever!! I saw you perform many years ago at Nissan Pavilion in VA and
Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland. You were an AMAZING performer!!
marc dumas
June 8, 2024
My condolences to David Sanborn's family. I am a big Sanborn fan! I had the pleasure of just running into David on occasion, on the streets of Manhattan usually around the 48th St music center. He was so approachable and sharing. I usually asked him about Marcus Miller and any upcoming performances. I liked his performance on Promise Me The Moon and most collaborations with Marcus, including As We Speak, Close-Up, and Straight To The Heart. Anybody remember the tv show with Dave and Marcus called Sunday Night? Great show with great guests! I had the huge pleasure of hanging with Dave a little, on one the smooth jazz cruises with Marcus, in 2016! Thanks Dave for sharing the gift of your music! You will be missed! RIP my friend.
Teresa Williams
June 8, 2024
I will remember your music in my first years learning about and enjoying smooth jazz. You really knew what you were doing! Thank you for the memories.
Lynne Jebens
June 8, 2024
HEART TO HEART was the first album I bought of David´s. I was hooked. His sound was so distinct that I can still recognize when something comes on the radio that it´s him playing. I think I have about 20 to 25 albums and CDs of his. I was lucky enough to get to see him at the Blue Note in New York City a couple of times, and it is one of the thrills of my concert experience. I literally cried when I heard he was gone. But I know he´s playing with the angels and a few other great talents who are no longer with us. The heavens are jamming. He will so be missed. Lynne
Derrick Bradbury
June 6, 2024
He was my mom's second cousin.. And I love the song Maputo he did
Kurt Williams
June 3, 2024
I met Mr. Sanborn in my hometown of Roanoke Virginia after a concert. My now wife brought front-row seats. It was his first performance since 9/11. He was healing and I was appreciative when he thanked me for listening to his music. Fast forward some twenty years and I saw him again in Scottdale AZ with Bob James, and Marcus Miller. I will never forget the great moments. Thank you, sir, and rest, in peace.
Jerry Morris
June 3, 2024
My all time favorite Saxman. I started listening to David music in the `70s. Hard to believe he´s gone. David a d I texted for a few weeks about the time the Sanborn Sessions started. I´m from St Louis and David grew up in Kirkwood Mo which is a suburb not far from me. He would ask me over and over "So what are you doing now?" It´s hard to think he really wanted to know what I was doing over and over.ha ha! When I asked him if I was really texting with him, he got mad at me. I apologized to him but I never heard from him again. He will never kno how much I loved his music, and how sorry I was for thinking someone was scamming me when I now believe it was truely him. RIP David, love you my brother.
Marie Bingham
June 1, 2024
Alice and Jonathan and family members. Deepest condolences. I knew Dave from Friday nights. What a wonderful, kind and generous man he was. What a loss. I was very blessed to have known him.
Albert DeFabritus
May 31, 2024
Alice, you know me from Friday night. I knew David for a few years. I loved him. He was such a wonderful person. We all miss him.
Mike May
May 31, 2024
I became aware of David as a side musician in the early 70´s he seemed to be everywhere, when his first album came out in 75 you knew this guy had the chops. His song Blue Night from his first album Taking Off is a must listen to when you want to hear perfection. I will miss his humor and sense of joy that he got to play music for a living.
Colin
May 31, 2024
One of the greatest musicians ever know, help me start my saxophone career, he will be sadly missed, his memory will live on. Colin of Birkdale.
Mr.Jr.
May 30, 2024
My condolence.
Kimberly E Douglas
May 29, 2024
Kimberly Douglas
I don´t no him personally but I will alway , love his music , I´m a beginner Sax player three and a half years, I have alway try to figure out what instrument what mouth piece he use. I´ll miss him, god must needed another talented musician may he RIP.
Darlene Fesce
May 28, 2024
i am still sad about David Sanborn, and will remain sad about David Saborn for weeks and years to come
Stefanie Coleman
May 26, 2024
This year marks 40 years of listening to Sanborn. I was almost 14 when I heard I'm a Believer from Backstreet album. Many "Moon Tunes" later, I have memories of the few times I saw him in concert, and was planning to go next year to see him on an amazing cruise which also included Marcus Miller. So sad that won't happen. Bums Cathedral, Tear for Crystal, Straight from the Heart, Change of Heart, Chicago Song, Maputo, so many. The heavenly jam sessions gotta be insane. Peace to your soul, prayers to your loved ones.
Althea
May 25, 2024
Mr. Sanborn's music has been with me and my family for 40 years. Our favorites were the collaborations with Bob James and watching him in the Most Dangerous Band with Letterman. Favorite song hands down is Maputo. His journey is a blessed one because he has become one with the source of all music and he is Jamming! David know that my children and their children are bouncing to your music and vision. See ya!
Ms. Leeza Spiegl
May 25, 2024
The song, "Lesley Ann", came out in 1988, when I was a 17-year-old high school junior. It was catchy, and it kind of reminded me of some jazz music that played on a channel on the BBC overseas in London. (I'm American, by the way.) David Sanborn's music will always be playing in my memories.
Thankful
May 25, 2024
The first time I heard David Sanborn's music was his "A Change of Heart" album. I was experiencing personal challenges around deep grief, and his music took me to a place of peace and joy. It still does. Thank you.
Blue
May 22, 2024
I remember Chicago Song when it first came out. I fell in love
Carl Silvestri
May 22, 2024
I am an amateur sax player and David was and will continue to be an inspiration to me. My only regret is that I never saw him live in concert. But I will cherish and continue to watch my DVDs of David playing with Marcus Miller and Joe Sample at the Montrose Jazz Festival. And on the Eric Clapton and Friends concert. David showed me and the rest of us horn players the infinite and genre-crossing possibilities of the sax.RIP David. You are a legend!
Brian Robinson
May 22, 2024
I first introduced to David Sanborn in 1981 on then our late radio station WJZZ by Rosetta Hines in Detroit Michigan. I have seen David Sanborn many times and it was always a pleasure and excitement I thank you so very much for the opportunity and the experience and all of your great treasures of music that you left here for us to always remember what a great Entertainer you were. I send peace and blessings to your family RIPower David Sanborn you job was well done. I'm glad that I have lots of your music and I will always keep listening. God bless your soul my friend thanks for the journey. Brian Robinson from Detroit Michigan.
Jae Higman
May 22, 2024
An an exceptional musician ... he turn his saxophone into a beautiful serenade of magic!
Forever etched into our
Chea Parran
May 21, 2024
His humility accompanied with His incredible talent.
Darius Davenport
May 20, 2024
I was introduced to the music of David Sanborn by a girlfriend in 1984. Since that time I have loved and enjoyed Dave´s journey through his different era´s and styles of music. From rock, soul, r&b, funk, jazz, blues and yes even so called smooth jazz. His collaborations with Marcus Miller, Al Jarreau, George Duke, George Benson and many, many others have been the landscape of my life. He has been the the ambassador of his music, educating and teaching his music to millions of fans world wide. My story about Dave was in 1984 I was playing in a band with my brothers at an annual picnic at the co-op where I grew up. We had just finished playing Run For Cover, a fabulous tune I believe was written by Marcus Miller, and who should walk up to the stage but the man himself. He was congenial and pleasant. A memory I will cherish for ever.
Darius Davenport of the Daven-bro´s
Tim Coleman
May 20, 2024
David Sanborn was the saxophonist that inspired me to keep playing at a young age when I wanted to give up and try something different. I thank God for him and all the music he has blessed us to hear for many years through his beautiful heartfelt gift. He always played with such passion and made you feel every note. May God's Spirit comfort his family during this time and may David rest in peace.
✝☮
Sincerely,
Tim Coleman
Faye Reynolds
May 20, 2024
What an AMAZING, AMAZING MUSICIAN! I was introduced to his music in the late 70's early 80s. I had the pleasure of seeing him live in Detroit at least three or four times in the last four or five years. My sincere condolences to his family and his musician friends. His music will forever be played in my home. May God comfort you all during this time of sadness, but may his music bring you Joy.
F Reynolds Detroit Michigan
Mimi Hudson
May 19, 2024
1981 I was turned on to this "new" sax player by my younger sister. I was blown away by the wailing of his horn! Had the opportunity to see him in person over 20 years later and experienced the same reaction as if it was the first time. WOW! Always loved his music and always will. Condolences to his family and grateful for all that he shared with us for so many years.
MaryAlice Minard
May 19, 2024
I will never forget the goosebumps I got from hearing the magic of David Sanborn's music for the first time in the tune, "The Dream." That was decades ago and to this day, I still get goosebumps. I have a strong feeling that it will forever have that effect on me. He & his music were such a significant part of the histories of the Minard family & friends. Many of us saw him in concert a number of times in various cities around the U.S. I got to see him in Las Vegas, Phoenix and in NY (at The Blue Note and at Lincoln Center). How I wish I had had the chance to tell Dave that the soundtrack he provided us has been extraordinary and timeless. I will always treasure the special memories which I have in connection to him and his music. I will always be grateful that such an exceptional talent graced our world. I know Dave's spirit will live on through his music which I will revisit often for the rest of my life. David: Thank you for the music; it was like a beautiful dream. I'm sure there will be more of it "on the other side" because of you. Rest gently.
To all in his personal circle of family & friends: Deepest condolences to each of you as mourn your tremendous loss. Many share your sorrow. I hope it comforts you to know how appreciated he is. May love and peace remain in your hearts.
Meg Higgins
May 19, 2024
My former husband and I "bonded" over David´s music. We came from
Different music tastes and we fell in love with David and his sax. So many beautiful evenings spent jamming at home. Saw him live in concert (3) times. He will be sorely missed. Meg in San Diego
Barbara Williams Sisk
May 19, 2024
SUCH A WONDERFUL QUALITY TO "His Sound"...Loved listening!...A Fan!!!! Just confirms God gives us such talented people "On Loan"...We will have your "sound" David....God's Speed.....
Carla OLeary
May 19, 2024
David Sanborn will remain a world class musician forever. I was lucky enough to see him live in Tucson a few years back. His music truly stirred my soul. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent David, and may you rest in peace. Sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and many friends In his orbit.
Henry Stephens
May 19, 2024
He was always kind, approachable and
thankful for anything you did for him.
Always smiling and inspiring.
Henry Stephens -( OWCC )
Michael Heraty
May 18, 2024
Dave was a dear friend. I met him for the first time in Manassas Virginia in 1997 at the Capital Jazz Festival. I recorded a demo CD for him in 1998 and I sat in with his band in 2014. I saw him at Scullers Jazz Club in 2019; I took two Master Classes in 2021 and I sent my last email to his wife earlier this month. Dave was sweet, humble, honest and tenacious. He inspired me to keep going despite my challeges. A wonderful inspiration and a loving friend.
Vincent
May 18, 2024
Hideaway Pearls and Time Again.....only saw you once in 2015 at the Ferst Theater at Georgia Tech.....miss you but you've left some great music for us to enjoy forever !!
Elizabeth and John Hickey
May 18, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers to Alice and his family. We had tickets to see David at Jimmy's Jazz Club to see him perform in person for the very first time but the show has been cancelled and sadly David passed away about two weeks later.
Rest in Peace, your music and your light will continue to be a comfort as you rest easy in Heaven.
Elizabeth and John Hickey
F LEWIS
May 18, 2024
Mr. Sanborn was my first introduction to Jazz in 1984. And to this day, the saxophone is my favorite musical instrument to listen to, and he is my favorite saxophonist . My sincere condolences to the family. May you rest in peace Mr. Sanborn!
Walter (Fred) Hochrein
May 17, 2024
His unique saxophone voice and range. His improvisation was so well crafted and well spoken that it touched your heart, lifted your spirit and inspired you to your feet! I first listened to David Sanborn during my Highschool years while my friends practiced our instruments after school in the Highschool band room! Even as a trombone player I tried to play lines like him on the horn! Moving to San Diego from Michigan, I was bitten by the smooth jazz bug in the 80´s on the west coast, but no matter where I was in the country then or in the 90´s over seas in Japan while in the military we all listened to "Sanborn". David´s not with us in person but I assure you folks, he´s with us right now in spirit! Don´t believe, turn on the tunes, you´ll feel better, you´ll connect to him! My friends in San Diego cried today when we heard the news, we felt older today. We love you David Sanborn and the music you brought to our lives. We pray for your family at this difficult time. We feel your pain. Thank you, God Bless and Rest in Peace David Sanborn, God willing I´ll hear your music again!
Darius Davenport
May 17, 2024
I was introduced to David Sanborn by my girl friend at the time in 1984. I´ve been an avid fan ever since.
Clifton Braithwaite
May 17, 2024
I met David during the recording of his Close Up album. He was a great cat. Always was nice to me.
Kenneth Parson
May 16, 2024
The love of saxophone.
Joe Theisen
May 16, 2024
Great memories of David performing on Letterman with the World's Most Dangerous Band. I was lucky to see him perform twice in Michigan, what a talent! The Dream is an absolute masterpiece and my personal favorite. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and loved ones. We grieve with you.
John Simon
May 16, 2024
Dave Sanborn was a neighbor, a colleague and a good friend when we both lived in Woodstock in the 70s. We made an album together, "Heart To Heart" released in 1978. He was bright and he was funny. As he gained in popularity, he told me, "Today they're saying' 'Get me Dave Sanborn'. Soon it will be, 'Get me a Dave Sanborn'". But his imitators could never match his sound. It was his unique voice. I wrote a lot about him in my book , "Truth, Lies And Hearsay".
We all loved him.
Jay Gamble
May 16, 2024
David Sanborns saxophone playing was my first real love. Rest in Peace Sir.
George Manno
May 16, 2024
Adio mia paisano. Adio!
RR
May 16, 2024
One of the best jazz saxophonists of our time. His music spanned decades and was enjoyed by so many over the years. Condolences to the Sanborn family, May you all find comfort from God as you endure this very difficult of your loss.
Jane Klafter
May 15, 2024
I loved David Sanborn´s music and had the Hideaway album on vinyl that year. I still like to jam on my keyboard to the earthy ballad of David´s, Lotus Blossom; thankfully through youtube. I thank God for David´s music and for David´s blessings as he experienced a vibrant career and knew how much his colleagues and fans loved his art. Rest in peace, David. Thank you.
Jim Mortenson
May 15, 2024
God bless the Sanborn family. He blessed us with Dave's presence and sound for many years. I've lost a hero.
Elaine Pruss
May 15, 2024
Saw his show several times in Michigan through out the years. The ones with Marcus Miller and the late Hiram Bullock were fabulous. Such a talent and he gave so much joy to all who love music. May he rest in peace and my sincerest sympathy to his family.
RB
May 15, 2024
Amazing, talented, entertaining, truly a master of his instrument. The list can go on and on about his music, his talent, his career and how many enjoyed his music for so many years. Sincerest condolences to the Sanborn family, so very sorry for your loss, May God be with at such a very difficult time.
Elizabeth Bell
May 14, 2024
RIP Mr.David
Lynn Francis
May 14, 2024
Wonderful musician. One of the best. Immortalized by his work and gentle video interviews. My husband and I listened to his albums on our cross-country road trip to LA years ago. It was magical for us. I will be one of many who send sincere sympathies to his wife and family and friends.
Alan Struth
May 14, 2024
My sincerest condolences to Alice and the Sanborn family. His legacy in music will stand forever. Was lucky to hear him perform and to have built a bit of a friendship outside of music. God bless my friend.
Linda May Tremblay
May 14, 2024
His saxophone was magic. He Will be missed. My deepest sympaythies
Edward Whatley
May 14, 2024
Condolences to the David Sanborn family. May his "LIGHT" shine on !!!
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