"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.
