 |
Al JarreauAmerican musician, singer
Date of Birth: 12.03.1940
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Al Jarreau
Early Life and EducationAlwin Lopez Jarreau, known professionally as Al Jarreau, was born in 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the fifth of six children in a Franco-Creole family, and both of his parents worked in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with his father serving as a minister and his mother as a pianist. Jarreau's passion for music began in the church choir during his childhood. He attended Lincoln High School, where he was an active and promising student. After graduating, Jarreau pursued a degree in psychology at Ripon College, earning his bachelor's degree in 1962. He continued his education at the University of Iowa before working as a consultant at a rehabilitation center in San Francisco, where he met George Duke.
Music Career
Jarreau's encounter with George Duke led him to pursue a career in music instead of psychology. By the late 1960s, he had established himself as a respected jazz musician, performing at various venues. He gained recognition through his collaboration with guitarist Julio Martinez. In 1975, Jarreau released his debut album, "We Got By," followed by "Glow" in the following year and "All Fly Home" in 1978. The latter album, released by Warner Bros. Records, marked the beginning of his long-term contract with the label until the 1990s.
Jarreau's popularity soared in the 1980s, with his music being featured in films and television shows. He released six studio albums during the decade, including the live album "In London" in 1985. He collaborated with renowned musicians such as Joe Sample, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Rick Braun, and George Benson. In 1988, his soundtrack for the series "Moonlighting" brought him further acclaim, along with actor Bruce Willis.
In 1992, Jarreau released his tenth album, "Heaven and Earth," and took a break from the studio. During this period, he performed at festivals, concerts, and even participated in a Broadway musical. He returned to the studio in 2000, recording the album "Tomorrow Today," followed by "All I Got" in 2002, "Accentuate the Positive" in 2004, "Givin' It Up" in 2006, and his last album, "Christmas," in 2008.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Jarreau was married twice. His first wife was actress Phyllis Hall in the 1960s, and he married model Susan Player in 1977. They had a son named Ryan. Jarreau dedicated part of his career to promoting children's literature, and his music was used in projects for children. Additionally, he was involved in literacy programs.
In 2010, Jarreau was hospitalized due to respiratory issues, leading to the cancellation of some of his concerts. Although he returned to the stage, he experienced health problems again in 2012.
Jarreau's music captivated fans of various nationalities, social backgrounds, and faiths. His fans consider his singing unmatched in the world.
