“I always tried to play something you could feel.” — Hank Crawford Born December 21, 1934, in Memphis, Hank Crawford developed a sound on alto saxophone that lived comfortably between jazz, blues, and soul. After early work in rhythm & blues bands, he became a key figure in Ray Charles’ organization, serving as musical director and shaping the horn sound on some of Ray’s most important recordings in the early 1960s. That experience sharpened Crawford’s sense of phrasing — concise, vocal, and dee

Remembering the great Hank Crawford who was an alto sax sensation starting with the Ray Charles band in 1963. A signature piercing, full bodied, blues, soul, and gospel drenched tone, set him apart from other alto saxophonists. He was one of David Sanborn's biggest influences, so we can only imagine what it was like to have Hank Crawford as the special guest on Sanborn's "Night Music" TV show and then to play with him on Crawford's hit "The Peeper!" Hank Crawford: Dec 21, 1934 - Jan 29, 2009 | J