by Grayling Holmes / photos courtesy of Jazz St. Louis

Before a crowd of hundreds, my first glimpse of David Sanborn was on stage just a few months ago at the Jazz St. Louis Swing for Tomorrow’s Stars gala at the Chase, when he received the first-ever Steward Center Lifetime Award for Excellence. The jubilant ovation he got from the capacity crowd was an audible testament to the immense footprint he made in the world of jazz.  I was well aware of his legacy as a renowned jazz saxophonist – he was a legend whose work will live on far beyond his 78 years of life. Along with others, who had most likely seen him play, I stood and enthusiastically applauded as he received this honor presented by Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines. 

Everyone in the jazz world and beyond is grieving the loss on Monday, May 13th.  To say that David was a legend might be a bit of an understatement. David’s illustrious, storied career included performances with music's most celebrated figures. He won six Grammys and released 25 albums, one of which went platinum and eight gold.

Our town is bursting at the seams with jazz greats who have joined David in “heaven’s hall of fame” such as Clark Terry, Herb Drury, Jeremy Davenport, Grant Green, Pee Wee Russell, Milt Buckner, Lester Bowie, and Shorty Baker — the list goes on.  “David left the world a better place with his art, with his music, and with his sound,” said Victor.  “Whenever you hear 30 seconds of sound in a movie soundtrack you know in an instant that it is David Sanborn.  Everything else will only be an imitation of that greatness.”

Let that marinate for a minute.  High praise indeed. 

Victor had the chance to sit down and interview David this past September when Jazz St. Louis began their season.  He told me that it was an honor to meet such a great person. “His legacy as a musician resonates around the world forever, but to know him as a person makes his greatness that much more magnified.”

Enshrouded in the acoustic dome of the Jazz St. Louis listening room, the two met, two saxophone players, one a legend, the other hoping to someday be considered a legend.  Victor is an accomplished saxophonist himself, having played for years at Jazz at Lincoln Center.  “He was just so down to earth, telling stories of all the great places he had visited and performed in around the globe.”

On February 22nd, on stage at the Chase for the Tomorrow’s Stars gala fundraiser, David said, “I am honored to receive this lifetime achievement award from Jazz St. Louis, especially as the first to do so.  Growing up in St. Louis was critical to my success because it’s where I learned to play saxophone and it’s where I had some crucial experiences, such as playing with blues legends Albert King and Little Milton when I was 14. I’ve been all over the world but St. Louis will always be my hometown and I would like to thank Jazz St. Louis for giving me this incredible honor.”

In September, Victor spoke of David’s time as a kid growing up in Kirkwood and coming into his own in St. Louis’ Gaslight Square in the 60’s.  “Everyone was so supportive of me,” David said to Victor.  “We chose him for the Steward award because he was deserving of that particular honor.  He represents the best St. Louis has to offer. Cities need to recognize their own.”

Victor told me that although they had met in person only twice that he grew up with him through his music.  He had “known him” since he was a kid when he was learning how to play the saxophone himself. A piece of David Sanborn lives on in musicians like Victor Goines and through countless others who have been touched by his music for generations to come.