Hank Crawford

Hank Crawford was a soulful alto saxophonist and arranger known for blending jazz, R&B, and gospel influences into a distinctive sound that helped define the soul-jazz genre. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Crawford got his professional start with blues legend B.B. King before rising to prominence as the musical director for Ray Charles' band in the late 1950s and early ’60s. His warm, gospel-tinged alto tone became a signature element in Charles' music and later carried into his own prolific solo career.

As a solo artist, Crawford released a string of memorable albums—including More Soul, The Soul Clinic, and From the Heart—that showcased his expressive playing and knack for catchy, groove-driven arrangements. His work often straddled the line between jazz sophistication and down-home soul, making him a favorite among both jazz purists and R&B fans. Over the decades, Crawford remained a vital presence in the jazz world, both as a bandleader and collaborator, until his passing in 2009.

Genres

Soul Jazz

Hard Bop

Jazz Funk

Jazz Blues

R&b

Soul

Jazz

Blues

Funk

Gospel

Contemporary Jazz

Smooth Jazz

Swing

Related Artists

Stanley Turrentine

Lou Donaldson

Maceo Parker

David "Fathead" Newman

Donald Byrd

Gene Ammons

King Curtis

Houston Person

Etta James

Richard "Groove" Holmes

Jimmy McGriff

Cannonball Adderley

Latest Release

Soul Jazz

Hank Crawford

Album - 7 Tracks - Released August 13, 2021