Grover Washington Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grover Washington Jr. |
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Washington in 1995
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Grover Washington Jr. |
| Born | December 12, 1943 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Died | December 17, 1999 (aged 56) Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Saxophone, flute |
| Years active | 1967–1999 |
| Labels | Kudu, Motown, Elektra, Columbia |
| Associated acts | The Blackout All-Stars |
Grover Washington Jr. (born December 12, 1943 – died December 17, 1999) was an American musician. He was famous for playing the saxophone in jazz-funk and soul-jazz music. Many people see him as one of the creators of the smooth jazz style. He even won a Grammy Award for his music!
Grover Washington Jr. wrote many of his own songs. He also helped arrange and produce music for others. In the 1970s and 1980s, he created many popular songs. Some of his hits include "Mister Magic" and "Winelight." He also worked with other famous singers. He sang "Just the Two of Us" with Bill Withers. He also performed "The Best Is Yet to Come" with Patti LaBelle.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Grover Washington Jr. was born in Buffalo, New York, on December 12, 1943. Music was a big part of his family life. His mother sang in a church choir. His father loved old jazz records and played the saxophone too.
Grover grew up listening to famous jazz musicians. When he was 8 years old, his father gave him a saxophone. He practiced a lot. Sometimes, he would sneak into clubs to watch famous blues musicians in Buffalo. His younger brother, Daryl, also became a drummer. Another brother, Michael, was a talented organ player.
Grover's Music Journey
Starting His Career
Grover Washington Jr. left Buffalo to play music. He performed with groups like the Four Clefs. Later, he joined the U.S. Army. There, he met a drummer named Billy Cobham. Billy helped Grover meet many musicians in New York City.
After the Army, Grover played music around New York. In 1967, he moved to Philadelphia. His big chance came when another saxophonist couldn't make a recording session. Grover stepped in and recorded his first solo album, Inner City Blues. He was very skilled and played many types of saxophones. He quickly became well-known in the jazz world.
Becoming Famous
Grover's first three albums were popular in jazz and soul music. But his fourth album, Mister Magic, released in 1974, was a huge success. It became number 1 on Billboard's R&B album chart. The song "Mister Magic" also became a hit.
His next album, Feels So Good, also reached number 1. These albums were important to the jazz-funk music style in the 1970s.
In 1980, Grover released his most famous album, Winelight. This album mixed jazz with R&B and had a smooth, easy-listening feel. Grover loved basketball, especially the Philadelphia 76ers. He dedicated a song called "Let It Flow" to basketball star Julius Erving.
The most popular song from Winelight was "Just the Two of Us." He sang this song with Bill Withers. It was a huge hit in 1981. The Winelight album sold millions of copies. It also won two Grammy Awards in 1982. One was for Best R&B Song ("Just The Two of Us"). The other was for Best Jazz Fusion Performance ("Winelight").
Grover Washington Jr. also helped new musicians get started. He is known for helping artists like Kenny G become famous.
His Instruments
Grover Washington Jr. played many different saxophones. He played the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones. He used special mouthpieces and reeds for his instruments.
His Passing
On December 17, 1999, Grover Washington Jr. collapsed. This happened after he performed at a TV show in New York City. He was taken to the hospital. Doctors said he had a serious heart attack. He passed away at 56 years old, just five days after his birthday. He is buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
Remembering Grover Washington Jr.
Grover Washington Jr. is remembered in many ways. There is a large mural of him in Philadelphia. This mural is part of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. A middle school in Philadelphia is also named after him. The Grover Washington Jr. Middle School helps students interested in creative and performing arts.
There is also a mural dedicated to him in Buffalo, New York. This is the city where he grew up.
Images for kids
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Washington in 1995
See also
In Spanish: Grover Washington, Jr. para niños
