Les McCann's Legacy: Jazz Icon Sampled By Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nas Dies at 88

Les McCann, born Leslie Coleman McCann, reportedly passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 88 in a Los Angeles hospital.

The jazz legend's death was confirmed by his manager, but they did not disclose what caused McCann's death.

According to reports, the Grammy Award-nominated musician was hospitalized last week after contracting pneumonia.

Les McCann's Music Career

McCann developed his love for music at a very young age; he was born into a musical family, and it was only natural for him to end up taking an interest in different genres and instruments.

The late musician may be known for being a pianist now, but in his youth, he began playing the tuba and drums first.

In fact, he only learned to play the piano for a few weeks when he was six years old because his piano teacher suddenly died.

The musician earned a Grammy nomination for his album "Swiss Movement," but it is not the only album that cemented him in the hearts of other musicians, artists, and music lovers.

McCann began releasing music in the 60s; his debut album is "Les McCann Ltd. Plays the Truth," and he continued to drop music until 2018.

His more recent releases include "Vibrations: Funkin' Around Something Old Something New (Jazz Legend Project)" in 2003, "The Shout," in 2011, and "28 Juillet," in 2018.

Les McCann Influences New Generation of Artists

McCann went on to become one of the most influential musicians in the genre of jazz. He was the one who discovered singer Roberta Flack, reports noted.

He also inspired many other artists, especially rappers; he was sampled by Notorious B.I.G. in "10 Crack Commandments," Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's "The Next Episode," A Tribe Quest's "After Hours," Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Nas, and many more.

His legacy was remembered by many other artists, who paid tribute to him after his death: "Man... Long live the great Les McCann," wrote rapper Nicholas Craven.

"I'm truly saddened at the loss of my dear friend, Les McCann," wrote jazz musician Gerald Albright. "Spoke to him only a couple of weeks ago, and his spirit was uplifting, and he was still the jokester that I've always known. Playing in his band was truly fulfilling. There were no limits, freedom jazz, good times. RIP."

Tags

Death, Jazz