The loss of jazz vocalist legend Al Jarreau sent ripples throughout the music world after news of his passing in February 2017. The legendary singer enjoyed a history-making career, becoming the first artist to win a Grammy Award across three different categories.
Alwin Lopez Jarreau was born March 12, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisc. The son of a minster father and church pianist mother, Jarreau began singing in choirs early on. As a student at Ripon College, Jarreau continued to sing in groups but school and a making a living were priorities. After earning his master’s degree from the University of Iowa, Jarreau enjoyed a brief stint as a social worker in the Bay Area.
Jarreau began making himself known in jazz circles in the late ’60’s, jamming with George Duke and other jazz stalwarts. After releasing his debut album 1965 that same year, Jarreau became a full-time musician. But it would be another 10 years before he released another album – 1975’s We Got By.
That release truly started his career as a prolific recording artist who was celebrated as an innovative live performer. (READ MORE)
