Les McCann, the legendary jazz pianist and vocalist renowned for his 1969 hit “Compared to What,” has passed away at the age of 88. His long-time manager, Alan Abrahams, confirmed the news, revealing that McCann succumbed to pneumonia at a Los Angeles hospital.
Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, McCann’s musical odyssey began with a self-taught approach to the piano. His breakthrough occurred when he won a singing contest during his service in the U.S. Navy, catapulting him to an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Although he declined an offer to join Cannonball Adderley’s band, McCann’s career gained momentum, leading to recordings as a pianist with his trio for Pacific Jazz Records.
A pivotal moment in his career arrived with the 1969 album Swiss Movement, featuring the iconic track “Compared to What,” a poignant commentary on the Vietnam War. McCann’s influence reached pioneering heights as he became a trailblazer in the realm of soul jazz, seamlessly blending jazz with funk, soul, and global rhythms. His musical exploration extended to unconventional instruments such as the electric piano and synthesizer.
McCann’s tenure with Atlantic Records spanned until 1976, during which he produced noteworthy albums like Invitation to Openness (1973) and Layers (1974). Despite facing a stroke in 1995 that left him partially paralyzed, McCann staged a remarkable comeback, recording albums like Pump It Up (2002) and A Time Les Christmas (2018). In 2023, Resonance Records unveiled an archival collection titled Never a Dull Moment! Live from Coast to Coast 1966-1967.
A trailblazer in more than just music, McCann etched his name in history by becoming the first artist in residence at Harvard University’s Learning From Performers program in 1975. His multifaceted talents extended to photography, showcased in the 2015 book “Invitation to Openness: The Jazz & Soul Photography of Les McCann 1960-1980.” As the jazz world mourns his loss, McCann’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
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