The only singer to earn Grammy Awards in three different categories (Jazz, Pop and R&B), Al Jarreau performed with acrobatic versatility and creativity, tremendous range, and love for his audience.
After beginning his career in the Midwest, Jarreau worked with George Duke and his trio in San Francisco in the late 1960s. He later moved to Los Angeles, gaining visibility and experience in the Laurel Canyon singer/songwriter community before being discovered by Warner executives in 1976 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Since then, he happily toured the world consistently until he passed away in 2017.
He was most proud of his jazz roots and talent. But his 1980s platinum albums âBreakin' Awayâ and âJarreauâ are considered 2 of the best examples of that decadeâs pop and R&B sounds, and they led to Alâs highest successes. He especially enjoyed his many opportunities to partner with other artists during his long career including Quincy Jones, David Sanborn and Miles Davis.