Joe Sample

Joseph Leslie Sample (February 1, 1939 – September 12, 2014) was an American jazz keyboardist and composer. He was one of the founding members of The Jazz Crusaders in 1960, whose name was shortened to "The Crusaders" in 1971. He remained a part of the group until its final album in 1991, and also the 2003 reunion album Rural Renewal. Beginning in the late 1960s, he saw a successful solo career and guested on several recordings by other acts, including Miles Davis, George Benson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Michael Franks, B. B. King, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Anita Baker, Herb Alpert, and The Supremes. Sample incorporated gospel, blues, jazz, latin, and classical forms into his music.

Similar Artists

Chris Botti

Grover Washington, Jr.

Dianne Reeves

Diana Krall

Jamie Cullum

Kurt Elling

Molly Johnson

Natalie Cole

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Kandace Springs

Nancy Wilson

Cassandra Wilson

Sarah Vaughan

Stacey Kent

Mario Biondi and The High Five Quintet

Herbie Hancock

Nils Landgren

Robin McKelle

Harry Connick Jr.

Lizz Wright

David Sanborn

Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Bob James

Michael Franks

Ramsey Lewis

Ben Sidran

Shirley Horn

Ella Fitzgerald

Abbey Lincoln