Renowned soul-jazz musician and influential figure in hip-hop, Les McCann, passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88.
The news of McCann’s death was confirmed by his long-term manager and producer, Alan Abrahams, who revealed that McCann succumbed on December 29, 2023, a week after his hospitalization due to pneumonia.
McCann, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, gained fame as an autodidact pianist and vocalist. His career started to flourish in the 1950s when he won a singing contest while serving in the U.S. Navy, leading to his feature on the popular variety show, “The Ed Sullivan Show”.
His revolutionary work in music won the admiration of industry giants such as Quincy Jones and Miles Davis.
Starting with “Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Truth” in 1960, McCann embarked on worldwide tours and produced a host of albums, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz through his genre-blending and innovative sounds.
Among his most distinguished work is “Compared to What,” a poignant protest song he performed live at the 1968 Monteaux Jazz Festival, which became a cornerstone of his career. This piece, crafted with saxophonist Eddie Harris and written by Eugene McDaniels, was lauded for McCann’s unique blend of jazz and gospel-style vocals and its powerful lyrics about war, greed, and injustice.
Famed musician Roberta Flack, who was mentored by McCann and even had her Atlantic Records audition arranged by him, was among the many artists who covered “Compared to What”.
McCann’s pioneering fusion of jazz, soul, and funk paved new avenues in the music industry. His collaborations included popular musicians like Wilson Pickett, Santana, and the Staples Singers.
His extensive discography features albums like “Talk to the People” (1972), “Layers” (1973), and “Another Beginning” (1974). McCann’s influence transcended the jazz genre and reached into hip-hop, with artists such as Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest sampling his music.
Posthumously, Resonance Records released “Never A Dull Moment! – Live from Coast to Coast (1966-1967),” further solidifying McCann’s legacy by showcasing his lively performances.
The passing of Les McCann signifies a significant loss in the world of jazz.
