Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Al Jarreau was born as Alfred Louis Jarreau on March 12, 1940. He is often referred to as "The Smooth Jazz Legend" due to his unique vocal style.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 12, 1940
Died: February 12, 2017
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Al Jarreau was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He was a prominent figure in the jazz and smooth jazz genres.
Early Life and Background
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Alfred Louis Jarreau was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a family of modest means. His parents were both musicians who encouraged their children's love for music from an early age. Al began singing at the age of three and later attended Milwaukee High School of the Arts. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied psychology but eventually dropped out to pursue a career in music.
Major Accomplishments
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7-time Grammy Award winner
Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016
Won an American Music Award for Favorite Jazz Artist
Sold over 75 million records worldwide
Notable Works or Actions
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Al Jarreau's breakthrough album, "We Got By," was released in 1975. He then went on to release several successful albums, including "All Fly Home" (1980), "Breakin' Away" (1981), and "High Crime" (1992). Some of his most notable hits include "Mornin'," "Boogie Down," and "After All These Years." Al Jarreau was also an accomplished live performer who toured extensively throughout his career.
Impact and Legacy
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Al Jarreau's unique vocal style, which blended jazz, R&B, and pop, has influenced a generation of musicians. He is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and talented vocalists of all time. Al's music has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, cementing his status as a household name.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Al Jarreau was not only an incredibly talented musician but also a humble and kind individual who inspired countless fans with his warmth and generosity. His music continues to be celebrated for its timeless elegance and sophistication. Al's legacy extends far beyond the world of jazz, as he has become a cultural icon synonymous with excellence and artistry.
As we reflect on Al Jarreau's life and career, it is clear that his impact will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come. His music remains an integral part of our shared cultural heritage, reminding us of the power of creativity and self-expression.
Quotes by Al Jarreau
The band and I really enjoy working for people who enjoy the music. I haven't made a bazillion dollars doing this. I do it because I love it. I did it for free and will do it for free in the morning.
I think being a little older and a little more determined and being a little more evolved in my case and maturity in the kind of music I was doing and how I was doing it really helped to keep me grounded and with an audience that could appreciate what I was doing, who grew with me and evolved with me and kept me alive and around.
I came along with that crowd of singer-songwriters who were able to make their own statements in such a personal way that it changed the industry: Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Sly and the Family Stone.
I want an audience that we might call a pop audience. Cross over to pop. Cross over to R&B. And bring those people to Brubeck and Chick Corea, you dig? A lot of people found Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea because they came to hear 'We're in This Love Together' and 'After All.'
I work 'cause I have to pay the bills. But I also work 'cause I love it. I don't know what I'd do with me if I didn't have this work. It's what I've done all my life. It's my motivation. It's my satisfaction. It's my joy to stand in front of an audience to sing, to come back home and write songs. Man, it's amazing for me.
Music - special magic that communicates feelings and sensitivities that are human and what is so wonderful about the art. Let your kids get involved in the arts and study this workshop of human sensitivities, sadness, joy, happiness and aware of sadness and joy and happiness in their lives.
I'm a little bit nervous for us with all of this electronically generated new hyper-space that we've moved into, where not only people but also economies and systems, like banking, are left to zeros and ones. I want to be more than a zero or one.
When you do a lyric for 'April in Paris,' those who have heard it before can hear it in a different way now. It can add perspective to a great piece of music that does not have a lyric and may be inaccessible to lot of ears because people don't deal with complex music very well.
I tour Europe a lot. They still have a love and a fascination with the basic thing about music - how it feels and that being the focus. I've got people bringing their kids. And their kids bring their kids. The grandchildren are getting selfies with their Uncle Al.