Pharoah Sanders, an American jazz saxophonist whose career sprawled across six decades, has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed to PvNew by a representative for his label, Luaka Bop.
“We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed away,” the label’s statement reads. “He died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends in Los Angeles earlier this morning. Always and forever the most beautiful human being, may he rest in peace.”
His soulful playing and leading role in the style often described as spiritual jazz placed him at the edge of the genre’s innovation for many years, initially in bands with such explorers as Sun Ra (who dubbed him “Pharoah”) and John Coltrane and later by leading his own ensembles.
Born Farrell Sanders in 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Sanders moved to Oakland, California in 1959 and began working in the area’s thriving jazz scene. After relocating to New York, he worked with Sun Ra before joining Coltrane’s band in 1965, debuting on the “Ascension” album. Sanders played with the influential saxophonist on some of his most boundary-pushing recordings until his death in 1967.
+ #pharoahsanders has transitioned on #johncoltranes birthday (yesterday). today & beyond, we celebrate these two musical masters & giants of #jazz (pictured together here). rest in paradise brothers coltrane & #pharoah! we love you & will continue to celebrate both of you
