Legendary jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders dies aged 81
Pharoah Sanders has died at the age of 81.The news was revealed in a statement yesterday (September 24) from the musician’s label, Luaka Bop, who wrote: “We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed away.“He died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends in Los Angeles earlier this morning. Always and forever the most beautiful human being, may he rest in peace.”Across a career spanning six decades, Sanders – who was born Farrell Sanders but nicknamed Pharoah by Sun Ra – collaborated with a host of cutting-edge artists, including joining John Coltrane‘s band and being a part of the ensemble until Coltrane’s death in 1967.More recently, Sanders was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2021 for ‘Promises’, his collaborative album with Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra.Leading tributes to Sanders, Floating Points – aka Sam Shepherd – said: “My beautiful friend passed away this morning.