Al Jarreau performs at 2015 Rock in Rio on September 27, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jarreau died February 12, 2017, at the age of 76. (Getty)
Legendary jazz singer Al Jarreau has died at the age of 76, his family says.
Jarreau died at a hospital in Los Angeles, according to a statement posted to his website on Sunday.
His manager, Joe Gordon, told Ebony that Jarreau died about 5:30 a.m. local time while surrounded by his wife, Susan Player Jarreau, son, Ryan Jarreau, and other family and friends.
He was battling an illness, but the statement did not specify what condition he has been dealing with. Jarreau’s representatives announced last week that he would be retiring from touring because of exhaustion.
“As many of you know, Al Jarreau is in the hospital in Los Angeles, due to exhaustion. He is receiving excellent medical care, responding to treatments, and improving slowly, but the medical team has instructed that he cannot perform any of his remaining 2017 concert dates,” a post on his Facebook page said on February 8. “Ticket holders should contact their venue or point-of-purchase regarding refunds. It is with complete sorrow, Al is retiring from touring. He is thankful for his 50 years of traveling the world in ministry through music, and for everyone who shared this with him – his faithful audience, the dedicated musicians, and so many others who supported his effort.”
In an update a day later, a representative said, “I know you will all be happy to know Al Jarreau is recovering slowly and steadily. His son reports that he caught his dad singing “Moonlighting” to one of the nurses the morning… a very encouraging sign!”
But over the weekend, Jarreau’s health took a turn for the worst, and on Sunday, he passed away. You can read the full statement posted to his website below:
Al Jarreau passed away today, February 12, 2017. He will be missed. A few days ago, I was asked to describe Al to someone who knew of his success, but did not know him as a person. I responded with this: His 2nd priority in life was music. There was no 3rd. His 1st priority, far ahead of the other, was healing or comforting anyone in need. Whether it was emotional pain, or physical discomfort, or any other cause of suffering, he needed to put our minds at ease and our hearts at rest. He needed to see a warm, affirming smile where there had not been one before. Song was just his tool for making that happen. A few things I think he would want mentioned right now: To Al’s wife, son, sister, brothers, and family: You allowed Al to share himself with the world. He was grateful that you gave him that gift. He knew it was difficult, and regretted that more than he could explain. Please know that your gift was to us, too, and that we are also grateful. To everyone who attended his concerts, and listened to his albums: He needed you, and you always were there for him, for more than 50 years. He was thankful for you every day, and did his best to show that to each of you. To his band, and to the many, many talented musicians, writers, composers, and arrangers who played and collaborated with Al over the years: You enabled, supported, and thrilled him. He treasured you, and considered you brilliant. He loved sharing the stage with you, and was honored that you shared it with him. To each promoter, presenter, and producer: Thank you for your faith in him. Your commitment to Al was both essential and endless, and he never took you for granted. To his agents, managers, crew, counselors, publicists, and journalists who supported his work, and also to all of the airline, hotel, venue, and other people who hosted him like royalty: He noticed every bit of the dedication and effort that you unselfishly provided, without limits. And, he appreciated you completely. To young people everywhere, especially the musicians he was grateful to meet at school workshops, musical competitions, residencies, and at concerts: From you, Al asks a favor. Please find any artistic thing that you can do with passion, and do it. With art in your life, you will be a better family member, neighbor, friend, and citizen. Finally, to Al Jarreau: Thank you Al, from all of us. You completed your ministry in a beautiful and gracious way. Godspeed… you’ve earned it.
A seven-time Grammy Award winner, Jarreau is survived by his wife, Susan, and his son, Ryan.
Jarreau was a native of Wisconsin. His family has asked that in lieu of flowers and gifts, donations be made in his name to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, “a wonderful organization which supports music opportunities, teachers, and scholarships for students in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.”
“Even if you do not plan to contribute, please list that page and give yourself a few minutes to watch a beautiful tribute video that Wisconsin Public Television produced to honor Al when he received his lifetime achievement award in October,” his manager told Ebony.
Donations can be made here.
