Al Jarreau, the legendary jazz-pop musician died this past Sunday at 76. He is known for hits like "We're In This Love Together," "After All," and "Summer Breeze," a duo with singer George Benson.

Affectionately known as the "Acrobat of Scat" due to his original vocal stylings of combine pop, jazz, and R&B into one sound, he released more than 20 albums throughout his career, won seven Grammy Awards and was an active performer right up to his death. He had a full calendar for 2017 but it came to a halt when a couple of weeks ago he was admitted to the hospital due to exhaustion as well as weakness and shortness of breath.

His family made an official statement on his website, stating that he was surrounded by his family and close friends during his final moments. The family asks that no flowers or gifts are sent but instead, please consider a contribution to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, an organization that supports music opportunities, teachers, and scholarships for students in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin, his home state.

Photo: Associated Press

Jarreau began singing in a local Milwaukee teen group called the Indigos. After college, he moved to San Francisco where he would himself drawn to the local jazz scene. In the late 60s, he was a regular performer in San Fran clubs, often working with future star George Duke.

He released his debut album, We Got By, under Warner Brothers in 1975 but it was his live album Look To the Rainbow that won him his first Grammy. The 21st century brought more accolades such as Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001. He also received an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music and another in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, and son, Ryan along with thousands of fans that will keep his legacy alive forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Jarreau.

Al Jarreau

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