Jazz saxophonist David Sanborn dies at 78

Rachel Tucker
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — David Sanborn, known for playing the saxophone on tracks with David Bowie, Stevie Wonder and other iconic artists, has died at age 78.

Sanborn died Sunday in Terrytown, New York, after a years-long battle with prostate cancer. Health issues forced him to cancel several scheduled shows earlier this month.

US saxophonist David Sanborn performs on the Stravinski Hall stage at the 43rd Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, late Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone/Martial Trezzini)
US saxophonist David Sanborn performs on the Stravinski Hall stage at the 43rd Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, late Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Keystone/Martial Trezzini)

“Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently,” a message posted to his X account read. “Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025.”

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Sanborn became known as a renowned session saxophonist and released some albums of his own. His credits include the 1972 Stevie Wonder track “Tuesday Heartbreak,” David Bowie’s 1975 album “Young Americans” and the James Taylor rendition of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).”

Throughout his career, Sanborn received six Grammy awards, eight gold albums, and one platinum album.

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