Les McCann, a pioneer in soul-jazz fusion and an artist frequently sampled in hip-hop, passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88.
His death occurred on Friday, December 29, 2023, a week after being admitted to the hospital due to pneumonia. McCann’s longtime manager and producer, Alan Abrahams, confirmed the news.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, McCann was a self-taught pianist and vocalist, who gained recognition in the 1950s after winning a singing contest while serving in the U.S. Navy. This accolade led to an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” a popular variety show of the time.
McCann’s innovative music earned him respect from legends like Quincy Jones and Miles Davis.
He embarked on international tours and began his prolific album production in 1960 with “Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Truth.” His contribution to jazz was significant, as he was instrumental in the blending of genres and the creation of new musical elements.
His most famous work, “Compared to What,” a potent protest song recorded live at the 1968 Monteaux Jazz Festival, is considered a cornerstone of his career. This song, a collaboration with saxophonist Eddie Harris and written by Eugene McDaniels, exemplified McCann’s distinctive blend of jazz and gospel-style vocals. Its strong lyrics addressing war, greed, and injustice struck a chord with many listeners.
Among the many who covered “Compared to What” was Roberta Flack, a renowned artist and protégé of McCann. He played a critical role in Flack’s career by arranging her audition with Atlantic Records.
McCann’s pioneering combination of jazz, soul, and funk blazed a trail in the music industry, leading to collaborations with popular musicians such as Wilson Pickett, Santana, and the Staples Singers.
McCann’s extensive discography includes albums like “Talk to the People” (1972), “Layers” (1973), and “Another Beginning” (1974). His influence reached beyond jazz and into hip-hop, with artists like Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest sampling his music.
Resonance Records released a posthumous album, “Never A Dull Moment! – Live from Coast to Coast (1966-1967),” which serves to highlight the energy of McCann’s performances and further cements his legacy.
