Joe Sample, who spent more than five decades as a jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer creating awe-inspiring music that transcended genres and inspired countless musicians, died on Friday, September 12 in Houston, TX. He was 75.

Sample’s family confirmed the sad news with a post on his Facebook page, which read: “At 9:50pm (Houston,TX time), September 12, 2014, Joe Sample passed. His wife Yolanda and his son Nicklas would like to thank all of you, his fans and friends, for your prayers and support during this trying time. Please know that Joe was aware and very appreciative of all of your prayers, comments, letters/cards and well wishes.”

R.I.P.

I loved his work with Lalah Hathaway.

RIP

No no no no no no.

I'm truly stunned and saddened by this news. His solo compositions were oftentimes funky, dreamy & otherworldly beautiful. Just this morning around 4 AM I was searching for my copy of Carmel. We're going to miss you, Joe.

I'll definetly miss this man and his music.

Fly with Wings of Love, Joe

R.I.P.

I love the sound of his keyboard playing on Joni Mitchell's Court And Spark and Crusaders' joints.

Of course this one:

A MASTER of the ivories.

From traditional jazz to contemporary, his recordings remain a favorite when driving across state lines.

Spellbound

Ashes To Ashes

The Hunter

Oasis

Caramel

Just a few titles I recommend.

Of course The Crusaders recordings are also fantastic.

Joe Sample Solo Piano 2013

Solo Piano Pt 2

Audio

Joe Sample + the Soul Committee - Viva De Funk (1994)

[Edited 10/10/14 23:26pm]

Graycap23 said:

R.I.P.

I loved his work with Lalah Hathaway.

Sad I liked his solo work. RIP. Check these out if you want his CD's.

RIP Mr. Sample.

https://www.youtube.com/w...5shMfzZr24

This brings me to tears every time I hear it. RIP Joe.

About ten years ago, I was on a small commuter flight from Kansas City to Houston, TX and Joe Sample was on the plane. A whole bunch of people on the flight knew who he was and they were talking about him in an excited tone while we were boarding. It was very cool. I suppose I am biased growing up in the seventies, but "Street Life" has got to be one of the greatest, most powerful musical statements ever made. Absolutely majestic. That is ART, friends. Thank you for your contribution to our nation's unparalleled musical tradition Joe Sample.

Top tune from Joe's Roles album (1983).

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One of my all-time favorites...Rest in Peace, Joe...

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The Crusaders - It Happens Everyday (Joe Sample)

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I had a treat when I was taking a hisstory of bebop class, and Joe Sample came in to check it out. He gave a short solo concert for a class of 40, and it was one of the more inspiring moments of my scholastic career.

Sorry to hear of his passing

The Crusaders reunion album, Rural Renewal (2003),

featuring Donnie McClurkin and Sounds of Blackness.

[Edited 9/15/14 19:45pm]

Graduated from my alma mata Texas Southern University here in Houston Texas. I had the pleasure of seeing him on more than a few occasions. A great artist and he will be missed. Time to break out Invitations's and reminisce...

[Edited 9/15/14 19:55pm]

Identity said:

The Crusaders reunion album, Rural Renewal (2003),

featuring Donnie McClurkin and Sounds of Blackness.

[Edited 9/15/14 19:45pm]

Really great. Thanks!

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Joe Sample on "Night Music - 'Spellbound'

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Joe Sample with Take 6 - 'U Turn'

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Joe Sample with Michael Franks - 'Leading Me Back To You'

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[Edited 9/16/14 9:43am]

One of my favorites from the Crusaders to his solo work

TD3 said:

RIP Mr. Sample.

https://www.youtube.com/w...5shMfzZr24

I love all of his work, but the stuff from the 1970s with the Crusaders and 1980s stuff get's me everytime

Saw him in Italy (Jazz festival in Perugia in 2010) with Randy Crawford, it was one of the best concerts I have ever witnessed! RIP mr. Sample.

Graycap23 said:

R.I.P.

I loved his work with Lalah Hathaway.

Me too, I still keep their album on heavy rotation after all these years since it's release and still moves me just as deeply as the day I first bought it on cd