Les McCann, Soul Jazz Pianist and Singer Sampled by Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg and Others, Dead at 88

Mar. 15, 2025

Les McCann performing in Chicago in 1978.Photo:Paul Natkin/Getty

Paul Natkin/Getty

Les McCann, a singer and pianist who helped to pioneer the soul jazz genre, has died at age 88.

On Monday,The New York Timesreported that the musician died on Friday in a Los Angeles hospital after being admitted for pneumonia.

McCann — whoreleased over 60 albumssince he made his professional debut with Les McCann Plays The Truthin 1960 — is best known for his innovative, groove-based rhythms and funky use of synthesizers and electronic keyboards, which pushed the bounds of jazz and contributed to the creation of the soul jazz sound.

Les McCann performing at Newport Jazz Festival in 1974.Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty

Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty

According toBlue Note Records, who released his debut album, the singer-songwriter experienced his first bout of exposure in 1956 when he won a talent contest while serving in the Navy to sing onThe Ed Sullivan Show.

After he was discharged, the performer went on to pursue a career as a solo artist, releasing a number of projects on jazz labels and eventually signed to Atlantic Records in 1968.

Les McCann in 1967.Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty

Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty

He has also been credited with discovering R&B iconRoberta Flackand helping to get her signed to Atlantic Records, as stated on his official website.

Several artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late musician.

Rapper Nicholas Cravenposted to Xand wrote, “Man… Long live the great Les McCann.”

One of his collaborators, jazz musician Gerald Albright, honored him with a post onX. “I’m truly saddened at the loss of my dear friend, Les McCann,” he wrote. “Spoke to him only a couple of weeks ago, and his spirit was uplifting, and he was still the jokester that I’ve always known. Playing in his band was truly fulfilling. There were no limits, freedom jazz, good times. RIP.”

Musician/painter John Lurie also shared a thoughtful storyon Facebook, reflecting on the time when he saw the jazz singer perform live when he was a teenager and how he still regrets not singing along.

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“When I heard it, I couldn’t believe it, which taught me another great lesson,” he told the outlet. “Let it happen. Let it be. You don’t have to be hovering over every little note. You do it, and let it happen, and you’ll know it.”

McCann continued, “My heart and my body is loaded with creativity. And when I step on that stage, I acknowledge it and allow it to come forth. I love my life.”

The recording artist also toldAll About Jazzin a 1998 interview that what he hoped listeners got from his music was “a sense of joy, uplifting, release, and to feel something.” He added, “I’m not selling a technique of playing. I’m selling feelings.”

source: people.com