Just days after retiring from a nearly 50-year streak of touring, Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Al Jarreau has passed away at the age of 76.
On February 8, Jarreau checked into a Los Angeles hospital due to exhaustion and remained there until his death earlier this morning. He was to turn 77 approximately one month later on March 12.
Following the reports of his death, his publicity team released a statement via his website.
Al Jarreau passed away today, February 12, 2017. He will be missed. A few days ago, I was asked to describe Al to someone who knew of his success, but did not know him as a person. I responded with this: His 2nd priority in life was music. There was no 3rd. His 1st priority, far ahead of the other, was healing or comforting anyone in need. Whether it was emotional pain, or physical discomfort, or any other cause of suffering, he needed to put our minds at ease and our hearts at rest. He needed to see a warm, affirming smile where there had not been one before. Song was just his tool for making that happen.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1940, Jarreau would go on to release more than 20 projects and amass seven Grammy Awards throughout his career. His hits include the theme song to the 80s TV show Moonlighting, “We’re In This Love Together” and singing alongside countless stars on the “We Are the World” record. His records were also used as the sample base for rap stars such as De La Soul, Little Brother and Three Six Mafia over the years.
AD LOADING...
Several members of the Hip Hop community and entertainment world reacted to his death early this morning.
"We're in this love together." Bright words for dark days. Saluting Al Jarreau. Mom played his vinyl. His voice made me happy. At rest now. pic.twitter.com/staFXGBhOD
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 12, 2017
So crazy that they're both gone. RIP to the legendary Al Jarreau: https://t.co/wKKZaH2oq4
— Phonte (@phontigallo) February 12, 2017
Rest in power, @AlJarreau. U were EVERYTHING Jazz & beyond with an unrivaled improvisational genius. Love & prayers 2 his family & fans. pic.twitter.com/XylxkaAILe
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) February 12, 2017
RIP Al Jarreau #BlackExcellence
— Consequence (@ItsTheCons) February 12, 2017
rest in peace al jarreau. breakin away really held my childhood down.
— go ronnie. (@TIRON) February 12, 2017
RIP Al Jarreau. ?? https://t.co/zghXsyA0cY
— Wally Sparks (@djwallysparks) February 12, 2017
We've lost another music great. I mean Great. Rest In Peace Al Jarreau ???? pic.twitter.com/PQubGykqbY
— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) February 12, 2017
Once upon a time… a dream came true for me and I jammed out on percussion with the greatest jazz vocalist of… https://t.co/MCtdTc4AAK
— Mark Batson (@Markbatsonmusic) February 12, 2017
