David Sanborn Died in Mid-May 2024 — He's Survived by His Wife and Son
The jazz scene mourns the death David Sanborn, a legendary saxophonist. He is survived by his wife and son.
May 14 2024, Published 10:20 a.m. ET
If you're especially into jazz, then chances are you've at least heard of David Sanborn. The alto saxophonist had been playing the instrument since before high school and he used that experience to propel himself through the music industry. Recognized as one of the most commercially successful American saxophonists in the business, his music helped influence generations of R&B, jazz, and pop. Despite having been active since 1959, he reportedly had concert dates lined up into 2025.
Clearly, David was ready to play music for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, his time came a little earlier than most would have expected. It was announced that David died on May 12, 2024. The jazz musician's death is mourned by several fans and celebrities, including Mark Hamill. He leaves behind an enormous legacy comprised of several accomplishments in the world of jazz. He is also survived by his wife and son. Here's what we know about his family.
David Sanborn was married to another musician named Alice Soyer.
David had been married to Alice Soyer, a fellow musician with whom he performed several times in the past.
Alice is a composer, pianist, and vocalist who was born and raised in Paris, France. She is also an accomplished painter and sells artisanal scarves on Etsy.
In a 2020 interview with All That Jazz, Alice revealed that she met David while attending a concert in the South of France. Not unlike a scene straight out of a romance film, they met each other after she heard David practicing saxophone through a window.
"I didn't see him right away, but I heard him," she told the outlet. "Then we spoke at dinner. It was so great and so natural. He was very encouraging. Told me to keep on writing, that it is great."
They officially started dating in 2016 and were married by 2020, spending the COVID-19 quarantine together.
As of this writing, Alice has made no public statements on the death of her husband on social media.
What was David Sanborn's cause of death?
In a statement posted to Twitter, David's cause of death was revealed. He passed away after "an extended battle with prostate cancer." He was 78 years old.
David was reportedly diagnosed back in 2018, but maintained his music career while undergoing treatment.
Did David Sanborn have any kids?
David is survived by his family, including his adult son, Jonathan Sanborn. Like his father, Jonathan is a musician himself. He is a bass player who previously played in albums released in the 1990s.
Our hearts go out to David's family and friends during this difficult time. His music and legacy will live on and continue to inspire artists in R&B, jazz, and pop.