The pioneering jazz saxophonist has died aged 81.
News of Pharoah Sanders’ passing was confirmed on Saturday (24 September) by Luaka Bop – the label run by David Byrne which released Sanders collaborative release, Promises, with Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra in 2020. “We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed away,” they wrote. “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.”
Floating Points also paid tribute to the late musician. “My beautiful friend passed away this morning,” he wrote, “I am so lucky to have known this man, and we are all blessed to have his art stay with us forever.” Since the news of Sanders’ death, tributes have been pouring in to the late jazz great.
A pivotal figure in the spiritual jazz movement, he was born Farrell Sanders in Arkansas in 1940. He started his career in Oakland, California and first met John Coltrane whilst performing in the Bay Area. In 1961 he moved to New York, where he met and played with Sun Ra. In 1964 he released his debut album Pharoah’s First and started playing in John Coltrane’s band the following year. Sanders also collaborated with Alice Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Kenny Garrett and many more.
Sanders recently made an appearance at Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here festival in Cambridgeshire, which was his last performance. Read a selection of tributes to Pharoah Sanders below.
Pharoah Sanders Sun Ra Arkestra alumnus has departed this planet.
Oct 13 1940 – Sept 24 2022 Deepest Condolescences to all family and friends… He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/49kNgYqu4g— Sun Ra Arkestra (@SunRaUniverse) September 24, 2022
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. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pddaztyTLi
— Luaka Bop (@LuakaBop) September 24, 2022
My beautiful friend passed away this morning.
I am so lucky to have known this man, and we are all blessed to have his art stay with us forever. Thank you Pharoah pic.twitter.com/6NdATGZve1— floating points (@floatingpoints) September 24, 2022
I’ve found an immeasurable amount of solace from your music which no doubt is a reflection of you and something deeper. Thank you, Pharoah Sanders and safe travels to the ♾. 🌌 x pic.twitter.com/EZMlhJu6ej
— Coby Sey (@cobysey) September 24, 2022
So sad to read Pharoah Sanders has left this planet. A MASSIVE influence on a young bug til this day. His overblown blasts of energy/spirituality fuelled my own futile sax playing and my craving for sonic explosions.. Black Unity, Tauhud etc forever flow through my veins.
RIP pic.twitter.com/EOpxGEnVpP— The Bug(official) (@thebugzoo) September 24, 2022
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hello… we lost the great Pharoah Sanders today… celebrating his legacy on @BBC6Music with a live session from Beth Orton and @shuyakyotojazz will join me live… send me a note why Pharoah touched your soul… listen here https://t.co/eldg1B28kv
— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) September 24, 2022
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Thank you,dad…❤️ pic.twitter.com/WcRtxqsz92
— ///トモキ・サンダース. TOMOKI SANDERS. (@TomokiSanders) September 24, 2022
