Remembering the music legend Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau was known for his versatile vocal style, seamlessly blending elements of jazz, pop, and R&B
Remembering the music legend Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau was born Alwin Lopez Jarreau on March 12, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the fifth of six children in a musically inclined family; his father was a minister and singer, and his mother was a church pianist. Jarreau began singing in church choirs and local events during his youth.
He attended Ripon College in Wisconsin, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and later obtained a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa. While working as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco, Jarreau performed in local jazz clubs, notably collaborating with pianist George Duke.
In 1975, Jarreau’s musical career gained momentum with the release of his debut album, “We Got By,” which received critical acclaim. He was renowned for his versatile vocal style, seamlessly blending elements of jazz, pop, and R&B. Throughout his career, Jarreau released over twenty albums, including notable works like “Breakin’ Away” (1981) and “Heaven and Earth” (1992). He is the only artist to have won Grammy Awards in three different categories: jazz, pop, and R&B.
Beyond his recording achievements, Jarreau contributed to television by performing the theme song for the series “Moonlighting” and appeared on Broadway in the musical “Grease.”
Al Jarreau passed away on February 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 76. His enduring legacy is marked by his innovative vocal techniques and his ability to transcend musical genres.
Look back at the music video for the 1987 Al Jarreau hit “Moonlighting”
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