Al Jarreau, Grammy-Winning Jazz Singer, Dies at 76
Legendary jazz singer Al Jarreau died Sunday morning, according to his manager Joe Gordon. He was 76.
The seven-time Grammy winner had recently been forced into retirement from touring due to exhaustion, according to the Associated Press.
Gordon told The Hollywood Reporter that Jarreau had been hospitalized and was surrounded by his wife, son and a few of his family and friends. A small private service is set for immediate family only, and no public service has been planned at this time.
The cause of death was unclear at press time, but Jarreau had fought through respiratory and cardiac issues in recent years, TMZ reports.
Jarreau’s family asks that in lieu of gifts or flowers, people consider a contribution to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music. The singer received a lifetime achievement award from the Foundation in October.
Jarreau’s biggest single was 1981’s “We’re in This Love Together,” and he was featured on the 1985 all-star song “We Are the World.” Jarreau also sang the theme to television’s Moonlighting.
An announcement was made on Jarreau’s website, which has since crashed. Read the full statement 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…