KIRKWOOD, Mo. — David Sanborn, a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist raised in Kirkwood, died on Sunday after an extended battle with prostate cancer, according to a social media post published on the musician's account on Monday. 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," the social media post said. "Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025."
Sanborn released 25 albums, one that went platinum and eight that went gold, and has won six Grammy Awards, according to the musician's website. He released his first solo album, "Taking Off," in 1975 after being inspired by Chicago blues artists near St. Louis and playing the saxophone before he was in high school.
"Having contracted polio at the age of three, Dave was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment therapy," the musician's website said. "By the age of 14, he was able to play with legends such as Albert King and Little Milton. Dave went on to study music at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa where he played and studied with the great saxophonist JR Monterose."
Sanborn was most recently hosting his own podcast series, "As We Speak," which profiled numerous musical luminaries.
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