Remembering David Sanborn | Letterman

A look back at a couple of David's many appearances with Dave and Paul.
(From "Late Night," air date: 4/2/87, 4/16/87)
#davidsanborn #saxophone #letterman
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[@curtmagee]

RIP David Sandborn was truly an amazing Sax player!

[@rhyta5042]

❤️Loved his music RIP

[@Hudson1910]

Loved his playing too! Still do!

[@production58]

I was there for that show.. I had worked on that song with Marcus Miller and he asked me to come in to program the synthesizes to get the sounds that we got on the record.. we had a blast hanging with the band… great song and David will be severely missed.. a true icon.. I did four albums with him… nobody will ever sound like him..

[@GS-uy4xo]

What a thrill it must have been working with those guys Dave, Hiram and Marcus did some amazing live performances - unbelievable musicianship. His recordings are always great to listen to and he’ll never be forgotten.

[@iliagrimak]

Я всегда стараюсь также ответственно подходить к звукоизвлечению, как Дэвид) Царствия небесного моему учителю!

[@xebio6]

Respect. Do you mind sharing the name of the guitarist in the clip?

[@MP5..]

@@xebio6bass player is Will Lee, not sure who’s on guitar.

[@markjee6047]

sid mcginnis

[@Bernstorm5000]

I immediately came here when I heard the news. Thanks for paying tribute to him. Sorry for your loss.

[@jeffreypetro3803]

Same here, Sanborn was my fave sax player. I saw him in Chicago @JVC Jazz Fest back 30 yrs ago or such. What a tremendous loss. Immediately Googled, first video I played. Great respects to David Sanborn & his music. Rest In Peace & thank U for all the music that inspired & moved us... 🙏🕊🙏

[@alanzeleznikar]

David Sanborn and The World's Most Dangerous Band were always fantastic. The song they played in the clip showcases everyone's talents. Just great.

[@harrodsongs]

Lots of Oberheim goodness on that performace.

[@Covfefe_34]

Letterman exposed me to Sanborn and I became a lifelong fan. R.I.P.

[@eg4449]

I think that's probably true for me too.

[@judyholland7236]

Sad news indeed, he was a late night staple back in the day. Thank you to Don "The Donz" Giller for all this Letterman archive footage!❤

[@eurofritz4617]

Is Don Giller using his own copied stuff, I thought he is accessing footage directly from the source now? Also after years of Don uploading footage on his own and then getting hired on to Worldwide Pants they have started knocking down videos others have had up for years :(

[@dongiller]

I have no role in selecting videos on this channel. And thanks!

[@_PrimetimePranks]

@@dongillerDon is the best !!

[@judyholland7236]

@@dongiller 👍😉

[@ledonwissner2200]

A most iconic, passionate Jazz musician! He raised the bar! You will be greatly missed, David Sanborn! Rest with the angels, Sir.

[@tamrasmith1744]

What an amazing talent. He will be missed. 😢

[@curbozerboomer1773]

A very handsome guy too!...I guess he was married, to some French singer, who looked to be at least 20 years younger than he was. No kids?....hmmmmm.

[@bw8349]

Thanks for the tribute, Mr. Letterman you are still a class act.

[@MarkChocolate]

This hurts. I always loved his music & style of playing. He was in my top 3 favorite saxophonists list. One of my regrets in life now, will be that I didn't see him live, in the late '80's, when I had multiple opportunities. R.I.P. Sir, thank you for sharing your gift & your music with the world. You will be greatly missed. Condolences to his wife and son. 🎷💔

[@keefriff99]

What a great saxophonist. Whenever I see his name, I immediately think of the Lethal Weapon films...his work with Clapton was terrific and gave those films such a cool, unique vibe. RIP, my man.

[@johnfronza2983]

A lot of people don't understand how complicated this music is. He will be missed.

[@buckbenelli8]

My favorite kind of music, Jazz Rock Fusion. Melodic, and sometimes bluesy.

[@GCKelloch]

Well, this is an example of the kind of watered down dance fusion that became popular in the late 80's. It's really not that complicated compared to the less mainstream fusion and contemporary Jazz Sanborn also played on. It is a nice unpretentious bit of I-IV based NYC funk, though.

[@johnfronza2983]

@@GCKelloch Well, I am not a musician and have never made a record or played an instrument of any kind, but considering how many people enjoy it maybe it doesn't have to be elevated to some kind of cerebral complicated stew so that the elitist can do to music what they have done to the art world and pass off couch paintings as fine art.

[@musicalintelligence]

Merci M. Letterman and your team for supporting musicians so fervently throughout those years. Watching Sanborn on thursday nights was always a treat for me.

[@simonbyrd6518]

Slap dat bass, Will Lee. RIP David Sanborn.

[@privatepenguin3137]

R.I.P. David - nobody was cooler in the 80s. I recall David often sitting in with the band each and every week. What a great musician.

[@Azegreen]

The dream and chicago will forever take me to late nights in my childhood. On my bed looking down at the CD, with headsets plugged into a cd player, dreaming of playing like David one day. He was my childhood hero. Rest in peace.

[@crebeccastewart3910]

Chicago transports me every time I hear it. He overcame so much to give us all this music.❤

[@iliagrimak]

У меня тоже)

[@mangasky7]

Sanborn's soloes on Bowie's Young Americans album alone are for the ages.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I randomly picked up an album, back in 1975, that featured a collaboration between a guitarist named Joe Beck, and David Sanborn. It is not that mentioned, yet every person I loaned my recorded CD to, was just staggered by how smooth and tasty that album was!..Joe Beck died quite a few years ago, from lung cancer-heavy smoker, the usual deal. The entire album is strictly instrumental, and is such a fine effort of what many call "soft-jazz...but it ain't just that!

[@TimClarkeJazzTrumpet]

There was a direct line from Sanborn’s soul through his horn. RIP sir…

[@robertainsworth7375]

I’m devastated. He was so influential in expanding my appreciation for jazz.

[@gregoryadamo1956]

Seeing David Sanborn perform was on my list, and I finally did last August at the Keystone Korner-Baltimore. It was a wonderful evening from an artist making great music at 78.

[@twinsmm1]

Whenever you hear Bowie Young Americans, think David Sanborn.

[@basskick666]

I will now....❤

[@jeshkam]

You know it's him right away.

[@lornestein7248]

Same for JTs - "How Sweet It Is"..

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

And don't forget his last minute and a half just makes the closing of what would be the last Eagles studio album for many many years to come the long run The sad Cafe

[@hansnagle5764]

Or when you see Lethal weapon 2.

[@stevenjones9364]

My favorite memory of David Sanborn is with the Worlds Most Dangerous Band. They performed "Memphis Soul Stew" on Late Night. An immense talent that is a great loss to the music world.

[@LarryGonzalez00]

Like it was yesterday. Mr. Sanborn, you made the years pass by so smoothly. Thank you for that, and all the great music. RIP sir.💐☮🙏💔

[@differentdrummer6162]

Beautifully said. On this funky trip called life, heroes like this provide our soundtrack.

[@carolynwilson8709]

Omg, what a sad announcement. I saw this man every chance I got, he was without a doubt my favorite sax player. I remember the first time I saw him was in San Francisco at the Filmore where he first got his start. When he played Straight To The Heart, he got down on his knees and every woman in the audience got up off her feet. It was like that saxophone was talking to us. You rest easy now Mr Sanborn, your journey is complete. You will live on through your incredible music.

[@aclayman8]

Partly responsible for inspiring my switch from playing clarinet to saxophone in high school, though I played tenor rather than alto. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.

[@johncornell3665]

Great person and musician. He will be missed. Thanks Dave!

[@willardlockejr2965]

David Sanborn (1945-2024) Thank you for the awesome music. You will be dearly missed. RIHP

[@CaptainTedStryker]

I remember he hosted a show on NBC that had some great live music. A fantastic player and a generous person from what I've read.

[@MiddleMalcolm]

❤ "Night Music". Incredible show! If you search KZbin you will find clips. 👍

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Thank you. I'd forgotten about that. I'll be seeking out Sanborn clips for the foreseeable future...❤😢 (I have no way to play my own cassettes or CDs anymore.)

[@WTFG78]

Mad respect.

[@AhPhoey]

Don't be angry

[@BearbearbearbearbearbearRarrrr]

It was always a treat to hear the announcement DS was hanging out.

[@MiddleMalcolm]

Such a distinct and unforgettable musical voice. ❤ He leaves a huge legacy.

[@rixvspinner]

RIP David Sanborn, awesome musician.

[@keithgrillo8096]

I always think of David when hearing his searing intro to Bowies’ “Young Americans”.

[@deputay]

One of the absolute all-time greats. David was, in essence, the "5th Beatle" of the World's Most Dangerous Band. Plus, all the music for the Late Late Show!

[@fbtd2456]

Smooth David Sandborn was a fabulous Sax Player. Produced amazing music.

[@bluesquirrel3919]

Rest In Paradise dear David Sanborn, and thank you 💕😢🌷💕🎶🎶🎶

[@vinniemoran7362]

Can't believe he's gone. I first discovered him on the Lethal Weapon soundtrack. First Michael Kamen, now David... only Clapton's left. R.I.P to one of the greatest.

[@JeffMcLeod]

It's too bad. Night Music changed my life.

[@ronbo11]

Producer Hal Wilner and host David Sanborn crafted one of the best music shows ever on US TV. Both are sadly gone.

[@dinosaursr]

Indeed. A touchstone for music fans.

[@jimfritz2087]

I remember the night Stevie Ray Vaughn was on. The bass player broke a middle string mid song. He showed Stevie when it was over and they both laughed .

[@dinosaursr]

@@jimfritz2087 Stevie probably offered him his low E as a replacement.

[@jimfritz2087]

@@dinosaursr No. Their segment was over. It's on U tube . I think it was from 1988/89 . Show # 201 ( google)

[@MichaelEvans-yq7xj]

Thanks for "Chicago Song" live! RIP David Sanborn. Always playing live, forever.

[@michelinemaynard3213]

He epitomized Smooth Jazz. Wonderful collaborations with many artists. Bumper music for countless radio and TV pieces. Look up episodes of Night Music - he brought us classic jazz. RIP.

[@thefirstdude]

I watched Night Music (was that the name?) every week I could. Loved how he introduced the artists, and they got right to the music. So laid back and relaxing. RIP, David.

[@johntruitt4099]

David Sanborn, Maceo Parker, and Cannonball Adderley are my heroes. Ever since I heard him in the 1980's I idolized David Sanborn. I know I was not the only one, either...when I was a band director, every kid wanted to play the alto sax. I once had a middle school band that had 18 alto sax players! You blessed our lives, David, deepest thanks to you forever!

[@amanisax5630]

All time GOAT❤❤ REST IN PEACE

[@scrivener68]

Man, that song is the 80s-est thing ever. My entire wardrobe changed to Ocean Pacific beach gear while watching it.

[@gwenjones8]

I had the same thought! 😊

[@user-cv7tu2yh2m]

Greatest Saxophone player in my lifetime. Had the privilege and honor of meeting him at Scullers Jazz club. He was a " living legend" a told him I had been listening to him since 1975 his " debut album with a plane " Taking Off". He was most gracious and attentive. If he was an extraordinary musician.....he truly was a better human being. My condolences Jonathan 🙏❤️

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

Thanks for the tribute Dave! You guys had a lot of fun!! 💕💕

[@juliusa4583]

David’s music inspired and motivated me …. RIP Sir… you made this world a better place.

[@orbison]

Unfortunately, it is what we think it is. “It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6 time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn,” reads a statement on his social media accounts. “Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications.”

[@jamescorum3643]

My Dad said to me back in those days ... you have to hear this guy on sax on the late show ! He has been one of my biggest influences in my Saxophone life ! What an inspiration Sanborn has been !!!

[@patriciamorgan6545]

What sad, heartbreaking news today.💔 When I got the truncated notification ("Remembering David Sa---"), my heart sank. Try as I might, I couldn't think of anyone else it could be.😢 David Sanborn probably did more to cultivate my love of jazz than just about anyone else. Smooth jazz for sure, starting in the 70s with his intro to Bowie's Young Americans. By the mid 80s, with his album here, my conversion was complete. The world lost a great yesterday. Thanks, David Sanborn, for enriching the lives of so many.

[@StudioGREGORIO]

~~~ A great light has gone out in the Music World today. David Sanborn was THE SAXMAN everyone wanted on their album back in the day. Thanks for all the great music. You will be greatly missed by all that heard you.

[@dbadagna]

Thank you for your artistry, and for bringing the world "Night Music"!!!

[@douggolden255]

What I always loved about Dave is that you knew who he loved and who he didn’t care for. David Sanborn was one of Letterman’s loves.

[@pinkelephant2459]

RIP David Sanborn he was a great sax player , Y saw him many times and it was always fantastic

[@brianl9579]

RIP David! Thank you for your music!!

[@chee-chee9916]

One of my favorite saxophone players. Style and class that would be so missed Thank you David, I now you are still blowin' where you are!!

[@matttibbits5654]

I was lucky enough to meet him before a show at Hammersmith Odeon in 1987. He took time to chat and sign some records, including some Bob James and Brecker Brothers ones. He said how much fun he had playing with the Breckers and almost told me what he said was a very naughty story about the making of his album Promise Me The Moon, but then decided discretion was for the best. He exuded class and star quality. Also got to meet Hiram Bullock who was an absolute hoot and then a wonderfully entertaining showman during the gig. Can’t believe they’re both now gone.

[@rochellejohnson3909]

I went to every David Sanborn concert 🎵 possible. He was my favorite jazz musician. He even took the time to autograph his cd 💿 for me, when I saw him in Vegas. My heart hurts, may he Rest In Power 🙏🏾💜

[@mrporter2u]

RIP to the great Mr. Sanborn. An indelible part of Late Night.

[@UniversalExports23]

What a legend David Sanborn. A true musician's musician who was the soundtrack to the Eighties and Nineties. Thanks for posting one of his regular appearances with the band. Inspired this guy to pick up the sax. RIP the best of the best. 😢

[@alainvincent1309]

Incredibly Gifted Musician R.I.P Mr.Sanborn

[@Memo2Self]

One of my absolute favorite musicians, for DECADES. So many clips I'd want to share (which I don't think I can link to in a comment), but here's one to look up: "Little Wing" with Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, and a ferocious Steve Gadd. Dave absolutely HOWLS, Clapton and especially Sheryl look on, agog, and then Dave just kind of shrugs after the solo as if to say "Eh, no big deal." What a gift he gave us all.

[@kamuelalee]

Great loss, loved watching Sanborn on Late NIght with Letterman back in the daze.

[@johnnymoondog]

He was so brilliant ! Rest In Peace !

[@jeffsaginaw1769]

WOW!! Thank you so much for putting this up! They were smoking!! You ere a funky sonofagun David. You will be missed. And thanks for all the great music.

[@brianbradshaw2813]

David is one of the major reasons I played sax and earned a music degree. I can remember sitting in one of my first music lessons in college and was asked who my favorite artist was and replied David Sanborn and my sax teacher had no clue who he was. For my generation the song the dream was the song. It was one of the first songs to ever use true stereo and surround recording techniques. The song literally moved from side to side and enveloped you with sound. To this day, it is one of the most emotional songs by a sax player ever recorded. If you have never listened to this song in surround sound, you are missing 50% of the recording.

[@rogerdaly6326]

My introduction to his music was the As We Speak album. His tone was so distinct , with just a few notes you knew it was him playing. Was fortunate enough to have seen Dave live several times and met him several times as well. Such a humble and gracious person , his talent will be greatly missed. R. I. P. David Sanborn.

[@lauravalor5043]

Rikke, my favorite. Best song ever! Didn't receive the recognition it deserved. RIP David, you were an amazing soul and an outstanding sax performer.

[@gqbrown09]

Rikke is also my favorite of his tunes.

[@ivanmay7890]

Along with Michael Brecker, David Sanborn was probably the reason why I listened to so much jazz growing up, and the saxophone in particular. RIP David Sanborn.

[@AMO17]

RIP To Mr. Sanborn. Your music has been part of many of my artworks over the years and it will continue to be so.

[@michaelmartin4366]

I was 18 when I saw him in concert for the first time. That was 44 years ago. It's hard to believe that I'm now 62 and David is playing to God and his angels. R.I.P David....hope to see you again someday.

[@usbank09]

back in the day 80s i always loved watching letterman especially when david sanborn was guest musician.

[@user-vr2tx4tt6b]

RIP David. He was my mentor & hero. Made me become a sax player. I tried to mimmic his style, quick vibrato, same mouthpieces etc. You will be missed, David - you already are.

[@markhackett9379]

Had the pleasure of seeing David in concert a few times back in the day in Chicago. What an amazingly talented saxophonist. I am very saddened to hear of his passing at 78.

[@whereisthedollar]

What a blessing he gave to music lovers for so many years. David Sanborn music is just always there. I heard this sad announcement on Sirius xm today while driving and felt like Noooooo, he's too young. He's playing sweet music in a better place. It will be awhile for me before a tear doesn't happen when I here a cut by him, but I'm thankful I have so much of his music that he left us.

[@wraithby]

I first heard David Sanborn on the live David Bowie album, David Live! back in the 70s. That distinctive sound! RIP....

[@469buck]

His genius will surely be missed. RIP, DS.

[@2011FOG]

Sanborn’s music always grooves-jazz, funk, contemporary-the groove is momentous and gloriously textured.

[@aldentokuzato5729]

Will miss him. Met him prior to the pandemic. Amazing to see and hear Will ferociously playing Marcus’ parts.

[@RonWinter335]

Ahh David...I was only able to see you once live. And you were GREAT!!! Thank you!

[@Mr.Francisco]

David Sanborn defined the sound of the modern Alto Saxophone... Rest in Perfect Harmony. Your music and soull are forever !

[@mirrasosa]

I’m heartbroken for the lost of the one and only greatest Saxo player of all time !! A true inspiration for me!! Rest in peace legend 😢😢

[@billsmith2212]

Absolutely TIGHT and in the pocket ! Everyone getting amazing TONE - live and on TV ! They ALL nailed it ! I last saw the Double Vision Tour about 3 years ago . Pure heaven ! RIP Dave ! You will be missed .

[@Dana-cz1yu]

This shocked me, and it hurts. I saw him many times. My whole family loved him. Such good memories, happy music and happy times.

[@95Ldunc]

Iconic saxophonist. His style and sound was so distinctive. Whenever I would hear a new Sanborn tune that I’d never heard before on the radio, I immediately knew who it was playing. His sound was so unique that it was like a different language.

[@charlescurry4981]

I have always was amazed at the enormous talents David was blessed with. Rest in heavenly peace David . Thank you so much for

[@808drummerpercussionist9]

DS. thank you for the many Grooves you laid down for us to enjoy, and musicians to jam,,,,Nothing like playing with a Brass section....You are missed, loved and will NEVER be FORGOTTEN

[@Qboro66]

Very nice man... He gave me his autograph on 53rd Street outside of the Ed Sullivan Theater right after taping the Late Show with David Letterman back in the 90's... I was listening to "It's You" from "Double Vision" on Hi-Res Tidal on the 12th, not knowing he passed away... Condolences to his family... RIP David William Sanborn 😢

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

With a heavy heart, So sad to hear the news of David's passing! He will be Sorely missed & his incredible Legacy will live on & on! RIP David Sanborn you are Brilliant

[@corneliusthorn9498]

This is truly a sad day back in 1988 up close was the first jazz album that I purchase and the rest is history R.I.P to one of the greatest alto sax players ever

[@reedbass5644]

RIP to the greatest saxophonist of the last 40 years, David Sanborn

[@michaelsin1968]

I remember listening to Bird a lot when I was a kid and then I heard Sanborn. I was blown away by his sound and compositional style. He truly changed the game for saxophonists as there were many who emulated him. RIP David Sanborn!

[@MundiaKamau]

Thanks for posting this throwback guys, in remembrance of, and as a tribute, to David Sanborn. Love the way the whole band, above, is so fired up and playing in sync. Rest in Peace, David. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 14th May 2024.

[@The_Frozen_1]

The late great David Sanborn was a staple on the jazz music scene when I was growing up. I remember listening to WJZZ back home and hearing "Chicago Song" or "It's You" playing almost daily & being carried away by the melody. He just had a way of communicating through that saxophone. He is still a major influence in my love for Jazz. We lost a giant... but his music will play on. Rest in Peace Mr. Sanborn.

[@fridayfosternow6787]

Love David Sanborn, saw him live in Skokie IL 2013 or 14, was the soundtrack of my Navy enlistment. Rest in Power, David Sanborn..

[@wernerrohr7259]

I saw him live on stage at "The Schlachhof Bremen" together with Rickie Peterson and a nonetett of french musicians. Absolutely amazing concert, i will never forget. RIP David we will miss your play

[@olly8]

I got to see David Sanborn in concert when this album came out. Just David & his band, no other act. It was Fantastic 🎷RIP David ❤💫

[@chironjo]

Mr. Sanborn was part of my jazz education upbringing, as a listener that is, when I was refining my ear and musical tastes in my transition from a teenager to an adult wannabe. He had this emblematic cool, nightlifely, subwayly, Chicago-ish kinda sound that stuck with me (my other one being Grover Washington Jr.). Now they both RIP, thanking them for the cool memories.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MrNewktrane]

This video's title had me not wanting to click the video. I was just playing Side 1 of his " As We Speak" album while getting ready for work last night. I remember watching this show the night it aired. Always loved when Mr. Sanborn sat in with the band. It terms of the soulful singing on the alto sax, that line reads Earl Bostic to Hank Crawford to David Sanborn. That great body of musical works lives on.

[@JA51711]

What an incredible musician. God bless! Legendary. While a teenager in the 1980s and a jazz saxophonist who had the big metal hairdo, lol, you would find me listening to David Sanborn as he ingeniously blended rock and roll, heavy metal, and jazz. He is not credited for being a progressive genius that created a genre and he should. Thank you David Sanborn for creating a beautiful genre to enjoy!

[@govinda102000]

He was part of my soundtrack to life loved in the 90s. Great memories.