David Sanborn is a renowned American saxophonist, known for his distinctive sound and influential contributions to jazz, R&B, and pop music. Born in 1945 in Tampa, Florida, Sanborn began playing saxophone at an early age, showing remarkable talent and passion for the instrument. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Eric Clapton, among others, showcasing his versatility and adaptability across different genres.

Sanborn's solo career took off in the 1970s with the release of albums like "Taking Off" and "Upfront," which helped establish his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. His smooth, soulful playing style, characterized by rich tone and expressive phrasing, has earned him widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. He is particularly renowned for his mastery of the alto saxophone, though he is proficient on other saxophones as well.

One of Sanborn's most notable achievements is his Grammy-winning album "Voyeur," released in 1981. The album, which features a blend of jazz, funk, and R&B influences, showcases his ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz while maintaining a strong sense of melody and groove. Throughout his career, Sanborn has continued to innovate and evolve as an artist, exploring new sounds and collaborations while staying true to his roots in jazz.

In addition to his solo work, Sanborn has also made significant contributions to the music industry as a session musician and producer. His collaborations with artists across various genres have helped shape the sound of contemporary music, influencing generations of musicians in the process. With his extraordinary talent, creativity, and enduring passion for music, David Sanborn remains a revered figure in the world of jazz and beyond.Though Sanborn worked in many genres, his solo recordings typically blended jazz with instrumental pop and R&B.^[1] He released his first solo album Taking Off in 1975, but had been playing the saxophone since before he was in high school and was a session musician long before its release.^[2] He was active as a session musician, playing on several albums by various artists (see Discography).

One of the most commercially successful American saxophonists to earn prominence since the 1980s, Sanborn was described by critic Scott Yanow^[3] as "the most influential saxophonist on pop, R&B, and crossover players of the past 20 years." He was often identified with radio-friendly smooth jazz, but expressed a disinclination for the genre and his association with it.^{[1] -wikipedia}