Les McCann, Award-Winning Jazz Icon, Dead At 88

Leslie “Les” McCann, the iconic award-winning jazz musician, has died at age 88. NBC News reported that the musician died last Friday (Dec. 29).

McCann’s manager, Alan Abrahams, told the outlet that the multi-instrumentalist passed away in Los Angeles after becoming ill with pneumonia. According to the New York Times, the legend was living in a skilled nursing facility in LA.

Fellow musician Gerald Albright took to X/Twitter to pay his respects to his longtime friend. “I’m truly saddened at the loss of my dear friend, Les McCann,” the acclaimed artist typed. “Spoke to him only a couple of weeks ago, and his spirit was uplifting, and he was still the jokester that I’ve always known. Playing in his band was truly fulfilling. There were no limits, freedom jazz, good times. RIP.”

VIBE found a GoFundMe seemingly started by Abrahams in around 2019/2020. The fundraiser details that the campaign began “at the request of McCann.” Abrahams’ fundraiser managed to raise $79,268 out of $100,000 for “Les’ cataract surgery.” The final update from February 2023, shows they had raised enough money to begin a series of surgeries.

“We are preparing to have Les’ cataract surgery within the next couple of weeks and we have been advised that transportation to the Ophthalmologist’s office is not covered under his insurance and will take half a day, 2 or 3 different appointments, $1,000.00 each visit,” the update reads.

“Again, thanks to your contributions. We are at 70% of our goal of $100,000.00 that have kept our beloved Les safe and sound at the California Healthcare and Rehab facility for more than 3 years. To quote Les, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you!…Yay, yay, yay!'”

McCann released over 50 albums during his lifetime. However, he may be best known for his politically charged hit, “Compared To What,” featuring Eddie Harris on saxophone. He performed the track, a cover of Gene McDaniels’ song, at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1969. It was around this time that he signed to Atlantic Records. This period also found Les McCann discovering a young Roberta Flack. He heard Flack singing and recommended she be signed to Atlantic Records, as well.

Naturally, the icon’s prolific discography received the attention of Hip-Hop producers throughout the 90s. Les’ music became the basis for some of the most acclaimed songs in rap’s golden era.

Some of these tracks include Notorious B.I.G’s “10 Crack Commandments,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “After Hours,” “The Main Ingredient” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth, AZ’s “Rather Unique,” “The World Is Yours (TIP Mix)” from Nas and Q-Tip, “Hypnotic” by Eric B. & Rakim, and over 300 other samples.

VIBE sends our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the legendary Leslie “Les” McCann. Show the legend love and listen to some of his work below. Rest in peace, Les.

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