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Influential Saxophonist Hank Crawford Dies at 74

Hank Crawford, a member of a distinguished-but-dwindling group of Ray Charles saxophonists, who went on to his own successful career as a leader in jazz and blues soul, died Jan. 29 at his home in Memphis. The altoist had been in dwindling health since suffering a stroke in 2000, his sister Delores said. He was 74.

Crawford is best known for his innovative blending of jazz, blues and soul to create a smooth, yet piercing style of playing. He joined Charles' band in 1958 and two years later was given the task of leading the group's cadre of saxophonists, which included David "Fathead" Newman and Leroy "Hog" Cooper, both of whom also died in January.

Despite specializing in the alto saxophone, it's Crawford who can be heard playing the baritone sax on early Charles recordings, including 'What'd I Say' and the 'Ray Charles at Newport' album. He went to make several memorable recordings with jazz organist Jimmy McGriff and later had a successful solo career of his own. He had a crossover hit for Atlantic Records in 1962 with his bluesy 'The Peeper' and went on to record 12 albums for the label.

He is survived by two children and a granddaughter.

Dearly Departed Musicians

    Hank Crawford, Jan. 29: The prolific saxophonist, who led Ray Charles' band, played with Jimmy McGriff and had a successful career in his own right, died at his home in Memphis. He was 74.

    Tom Copi, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    John Martyn, Jan. 29: The acclaimed British singer-songwriter, who worked alongside the likes of Eric Clapton and Phil Collins and released 20 albums throughout a 40-year career, died at a hospital in Ireland. He was 60.

    Samir Hussein, Getty Images

    Billy Powell, Jan. 27: The longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist, who survived the beloved band's deadly plane crash in 1977, died at his home in Florida of undisclosed causes. He was 56.

    Michael Bush, WireImage

    Charlie Cooper, Jan. 22: The Telefon Tel Aviv star, left, was 31. The cause of death is currently unknown.

    Bpitch Control

    David 'Fathead' Newman, Jan. 20: The tenor sax player not only played with Ray Charles and other legends, but also had a successful solo career. He died of pancreatic cancer at 75.

    Getty Images

    Pedro Aguilar, Jan. 13: The mambo dancing legend known to most as 'Cuban Pete' was one of the genre's leading men in the 1950s. He died at the age of 81.

    AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Raul Rubiera

    Ron Asheton, Jan. 6: Along with Iggy Pop, left, the guitarist helped define the Detroit garage rock sound with the beloved Stooges. Although it hasn't been made official, it's believed that Asheton suffered a heart attack at his Ann Arbor, Mich. home. He was 60.

    Harold Cunningham, WireImage

    Freddie Hubbard, Dec. 29: The 'hard bop' jazz trumpet legend who worked with greats like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Art Blakey during his prime died more than a month after suffering a heart attack on Nov. 20. He was 70 years old.

    Tom Copi, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    Delaney Bramlett, Dec. 27: The accomplished singer, songwriter and producer to such stars as George Harrison and Eric Clapton died at the age of 69 after complications from gallbladder surgery. He's seen here (right) in 1970 with Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia (left).

    AP

    Eartha Kitt, Dec. 25: The sultry 'Santa Baby' songstress who went on to have a long career in music, movies and on stage died on Christmas day after a long battle with colon cancer.

    Jamie McCarthy, WireImage.com

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BMagna423

The link on aol's home page said "Jazz Musician Dies at Home in Fla.", and the article says Hank Crawford died at his home in Memphis. When did they move Memphis?

February 03 2009 at 8:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to BMagna423's comment
Joy

Hank was my uncle. He will surely be missed. He moved back to Memphis after he lost his wife, my aunt, Gladys. May they both rest in peace!

October 17 2009 at 5:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cindy

I truly will miss this great man who has joined the ancestors. Fortunately thanks to recordings his music is still with us.

February 03 2009 at 7:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
beeceeinsf

R.I.P. Mr. Crawford! Very sad, too many of the great musicians are passing away.

February 03 2009 at 6:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eddie

A generation of great jazz musicians is coming to an end. One by one, as they move on to that great gig in the sky, they leave behind a void that can never be filled by the younger, up and coming players. A legacy of memories and musical adventures,,,,Ray, Miles, 'Trane, Dizzy, and Parker and so many others that shaped not just the sound, but the whole life of music as we know it today. May you all RIP.

February 03 2009 at 5:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
chumo03

Rest In Peace

February 03 2009 at 5:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aldepantsu

R.I.P dude!

February 03 2009 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Beautiful Lucia

Why is it that all the great saxophonists are dying? RIP Hank, from a fellow sax player. You were indeed a great one.

February 03 2009 at 3:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vgkflc

Hank Crawford, one of the best of the best. Rest well my friend, thanks for giving us all so much to enjoy.

February 03 2009 at 3:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
souldust

When I was a little kid my dad used to play Mr. Crawford's music all the time. As a little kid I hated it. As a adult I can now appreciate a master musician and his craft. RIP Mr.Crawford

February 03 2009 at 2:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

I worked with Hank Crawford at Blues Alley in the late 70's. Hank moved into my building in NYC and was my neighbor from 1999-2001. I remember him coming home from therapy in 2000 while he was recovering from a stroke. He was truly a gentleman and a great talent. Rest in Peace!
Steve The "HNIC" (as Percy Heath used to call me).

February 03 2009 at 2:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Steve's comment
Joy

Hello,

my name is Joy Williams. Uncle Hank was married to my aunt Gladys. I'd love it if you could share more stories with me. Please feel free to email me at majoy007@yahoo.com

October 17 2009 at 5:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply