Global Saxophone Legend Dies Days Before The Birchmere Performance

David Sanborn, an internationally renowned, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, died on Sunday, May 12, days before he was set to perform in Northern Virginia.

Sanborn's comes after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications, according to a statement shared to his website .

Sanborn had been set to perform on Wednesday, May 15 at the The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.

​"Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025," the statement reads.

​"David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he 'put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll.'"

Sanborn was a six-time Grammy-winner with eight Gold albums, and one Platinum.

He picked up the sax at three years old as part of his treatment therapy when he contracted polio, according to his website . At 14, he was playing with musical legends including Little Milton and Albert King, later touring with Stevie Wonder, his website says.

"In his six decade (and counting) career, Dave continues to be one of the most highly active musicians of his genre," his bio reads. "As a whole, Dave is an artist who pushes the limits and continues to make music that challenges the mind and goes Straight to The Heart."