Legendary jazz pianist Les McCann has passed away at the age of 88 in a Los Angeles area hospital, leaving behind a legacy of music that influenced generations of musicians. McCann’s cause of death has not been announced, but he had been hospitalized last week after contracting pneumonia.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1935, McCann grew up in a musical family and taught himself to play the piano. His talent was evident when he won a singing contest during his time in the U.S. Navy, which eventually led to an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
After moving to Los Angeles, McCann’s career took off with the release of his 1960 albums “Les McCann Plays the Truth” and “The Shout.” These albums showcased his soulful and energetic playing style, and he soon became known for his fusion of jazz and R&B. McCann collaborated with various artists throughout his career, including saxophonist Eddie Harris, with whom he released the popular cover of Gene McDaniel’s “Compared to What” in 1969.
McCann’s work had a lasting impact on the music industry, providing a foundation for numerous hip-hop songs. Artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., A Tribe Called Quest, and Snoop Dogg have all sampled McCann’s music in their songs.
Throughout his career, McCann released over 60 albums, with his most recent being a deluxe reissue of his “Never a Dull Moment! Coast to Coast Live 1966-67” album. Despite a stroke in the 1990s that limited his keyboard playing, McCann continued to perform regularly and worked extensively as a singer.
His musical contributions were highly regarded by his peers. Quincy Jones and Roberta Flack both praised McCann, with Jones calling him a “musical force of nature” and Flack describing him as a “limitless creator, inspiration, and friend.”
Les McCann’s passing marks the end of an era in jazz and R&B music. His soulful and energetic playing style will be remembered and cherished by music lovers around the world.
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