Sam Sanders

photo Copyright Leni Sinclair

Sam Sanders, a saxophonist of unparalleled distinctiveness and virtuosity, became a legendary figure in the realm of Detroit Jazz before his passing on October 18th, 2000 at his residence in Senegal, Africa. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he was just shy of his 63rd birthday, which would have been on November 19th. His demise was attributed to black lung disease, a consequence of asbestos exposure.

While there were occasional comparisons to giants like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Joe Henderson, Sanders was distinguished by his inimitable style. He led “Sam Sanders and Visions” alongside bassist Ed Pickens and drummer Jimmy Allen for numerous years, cultivating a reputation for their intensely spirited post-bebop jazz that flirted with Avant-Garde edges. Primarily a tenor and soprano saxophonist, Sanders was known for concluding his performances with a soul-stirring slow blues on the alto saxophone – his initial instrument. This choice showcased his deep-rooted connection to his origins and highlighted a sound quintessentially Detroit. His innovative fusion of adventurous bebop and traditional blues echoed a “Detroit” signature, a sound imprinted on an array of Detroit’s jazz talents ranging from Tommy Flanagan and Joe Henderson to Geri Allen and Regina Carter. Sanders’ mastery was comprehensive; his deeply emotive ballads were a harmonious counterpoint to his invigorating, fast-paced originals. His ballad “Fantasy” notably elicited a standing ovation from a full house at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Beyond his performance career, Sanders was a dedicated educator and concert producer. He taught at the Detroit Metro Arts complex and Oakland University and played a pivotal role in establishing the Detroit Jazz Center, a hub for learning and live jazz that featured legends like Jackie McLean, Donald Byrd, and Woody Shaw, alongside local stalwarts like Kenn Cox, Marcus Belgrave, Roy Brooks, Charles Boles, and Danny Spencer. Sanders penned hundreds of compositions, meticulously rehearsed daily by his group. The ensemble’s unwavering dedication to practice, coupled with Sanders’ formidable talent and complex musical arrangements, made these rehearsals a magnet for both established artists and emerging talents, leaving many humbled and spent.

Sanders’ musical journey commenced at Northeastern High School in the 1950s, where he played alongside Alice Coltrane, Kenn Cox, and Bennie Maupin. His education continued at the Teal School of Music and further studies under the tutelage of Detroit Jazz luminary Yusef Lateef. His illustrious career saw collaborations with international icons such as Milt Jackson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, James Blood Ulmer, Sonny Stitt, and Pharoah Sanders. Before founding Visions, Sanders and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave co-led a band with pianist Harold McKinney named the Creative Profile, and their musical camaraderie would persist, frequently performing together, often with Sanders’ big band, the Pioneer Orchestra.

In his later years, Sanders spent considerable time in Senegal, ultimately making it his home with his wife, Viola Vaughn. Viola, his companion of two decades, recounted his peaceful departure, surrounded by friends, in a chair overlooking the land. He was interred the following day, in accordance with Senegalese customs, with an attendance of around 2000 people—making him the first American laid to rest in that cemetery. Viola continues her humanitarian work, running a volunteer clinic in Senegal.

Articles which appeared in Le Quotidien

Gift of Love – Out of Print – all tunes by Sam Sanders KahnSamco Music