David Sanborn, the Grammy-winning saxophonist and influential jazz musician, died on Sunday, May 12, of prostate cancer at age 78.
A statement posted on his social media accounts the following day confirmed the news, stating, “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.” It cited “an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications” as his cause of death.
According to the statement, Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, though he continued performing at his regularly scheduled concerts “until just recently.”
The legendary musician, apparently, had shows scheduled from this month going into 2025, including performances with his acclaimed quintet that were set for May 24 and 25 at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, N.H.,…
