BIRTHDAY
Feb 7, 1934 February 7
BIRTHPLACE
Fort Worth TX
DEATH DATE
Apr 13, 2024 (age 37)
BIRTH SIGN
About
Saxophone virtuoso who recorded in numerous styles, from jazz to soul. He was a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 2000.
Trivia
His distinctive solo on "Yakety Yak" inspired Boots Randolph's own take on it, "Yakety Sax," which became the signature piece of the Benny Hill Show.
Before Fame
He was a talented student with interests in R&B and jazz, leading him to turn down scholarship offers and instead join the Lionel Hampton Band.
Family Life
He was raised in Fort Worth by an adoptive family. His sister was also adopted.
Associated With
He performed the saxophone solo on John Lennon's track "It's So Hard" off the 1971 album Imagine.