Tag

Lesmccann

All articles tagged with #lesmccann

obituary2 years ago

"Soul Jazz Legend Les McCann, Sampled by Icons, Passes Away at 88"

Les McCann, a pivotal figure in the soul jazz movement of the 1960s and known for his hit "Compared to What," passed away at 88 due to pneumonia. A self-taught pianist, McCann's career spanned over 60 albums, influencing artists across genres, including hip-hop. Despite criticism for exploring electronic instruments and funk, McCann remained true to his artistic vision, emphasizing the joy in his music. His legacy includes a Grammy-nominated album and a lasting impact on the jazz and music community.

obituary2 years ago

"Jazz Icon Les McCann, Known for 'Compared To What,' Passes Away at 88"

Les McCann, the renowned jazz musician from Lexington, Kentucky, passed away at the age of 88 on December 29, 2023. McCann was celebrated for his soul jazz style and collaborations with famous artists like Roberta Flack and Wilson Pickett, as well as influencing hip-hop artists who sampled his music. His legacy was highlighted by the local music industry and remembered by a 90-year-old high school classmate.

obituary2 years ago

"Soul Jazz Legend and Political Voice, Pianist Les McCann Passes at 88"

Renowned jazz pianist and vocalist Les McCann, known for his soulful style and the hit "Compared to What," passed away at 88 due to pneumonia. McCann's career spanned over several decades, producing numerous albums and influencing the genre of soul jazz. He was also recognized for his work as a photographer and his contributions to the music industry, including discovering talent like Roberta Flack. Despite facing criticism for his piano technique, McCann's music was celebrated for its joyfulness and emotional depth.

entertainment2 years ago

"Jazz Icon Les McCann, Sampled by Hip-Hop Legends, Passes Away at 88"

Les McCann, an influential jazz musician whose work was widely sampled by hip-hop artists, has passed away at 88. He died in a Los Angeles hospital after developing pneumonia. McCann was renowned for his 1967 hit "Compared to What" and his music has been sampled by artists like Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Throughout his career, he released over 50 albums and left a lasting impact on the music industry.

obituary2 years ago

"Jazz Icon Les McCann, Sampled by Hip-Hop Legends, Passes Away at 88"

Les McCann, the influential jazz and soul pianist and singer known for pioneering the soul-jazz genre and his hit "Compared to What," has passed away at the age of 88 due to pneumonia. McCann's work, which dates back to the 1950s, has been widely sampled in hip-hop and has influenced many artists. His career highlights include performances on "The Ed Sullivan Show," collaborations with Eddie Harris, and helping to launch Roberta Flack's career.

entertainment2 years ago

"Jazz Icon Les McCann, Sampled by Hip-Hop Legends, Passes Away at 88"

Renowned jazz musician Les McCann, known for his soulful style and influence on hip-hop through sampling by artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Dr. Dre, passed away at 88 due to pneumonia. McCann's career spanned over 60 albums, with a highlight being his performance at the 1969 Montreaux Jazz Festival. Despite facing challenges, including a stroke that left him in a wheelchair, McCann continued to perform and his music lives on, reaching new audiences. His last album, a collection of live recordings, was released posthumously in December 2023. McCann was also a photographer, with his work published in a book showcasing his jazz and soul photography.

obituary2 years ago

"Jazz Icon and Hip-Hop Muse Les McCann Passes Away at 88"

Les McCann, the influential jazz pianist and singer known for his song "Compared to What" and his impact on R&B and early hip-hop, has passed away at 88. His work was sampled by many artists, and he was a pivotal figure in the jazz scene, releasing over 60 albums. McCann's career included a notable live performance in Ghana and a transition to electric keyboard and vocals later in his career. His contributions to music were recognized by peers like Quincy Jones and Roberta Flack, who highlighted his role as a musical force and a personal inspiration.

obituary2 years ago

"Soul Jazz Icon Les McCann, Sampled by Hip-Hop Legends, Passes Away at 88"

Les McCann, the influential jazz pianist and vocalist known for his soul jazz style and the hit "Compared to What," has passed away at 88 due to pneumonia. McCann's career spanned over five decades, producing more than 50 albums and leaving a legacy that influenced funk, R&B, and hip-hop artists. His impromptu performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1969 catapulted "Compared to What" to commercial success, and his work has been widely sampled in the hip-hop genre. McCann was also a painter and photographer, capturing jazz culture and Black history through his lens.