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Singer Al Jarreau Dies Just Days After Announcing Retirement Plans

By on February 13, 2017

Al Jarreau death Seven-time Grammy winner Al Jarreau died at the age of 76, just days after he announced his retirement from touring.

The legendary singer, known for his unique vocal abilities which eventually earned him the nickname “Acrobat of Scat”, passed away after being admitted to the hospital for exhaustion. No immediate cause of death was known at the time of this article’s publication, but he was surrounded by family and friends.

Jarreau’s website released a statement about his death, saying that his family would prefer donations be made to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, in lieu of sending flowers or gifts. There was also a passage that described him as a healer first and musician second, painting a picture of the kind of good-hearted individual he was:

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.

Jurreau is the only Grammy vocalist to win in the jazz, pop and R&B categories, his career spanning 5 decades. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and son, Ryan.

Photo Credit: Al Jarreau/Twitter

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