Legendary Pianist/Composer Joe Sample

Joe Sample’s musical light has been shining brightly on jazz lovers for more than four decades. A talented, gentle soul with a fierce spirit, he’s one of the founders of the landmark Jazz Crusaders. Sample was front and center as the group transitioned to the jazz/funk sounds of the 70s and became simply The Crusaders, producing multiple hits throughout the 70s and 80s. As a soloist for many years he’s continued in that same tradition with Billboard charting number one albums like “Carmel,” “Spellbound,” “Ashes to Ashes” and “Invitation.” His notable and numerous collaborations over the years, with singer Randy Crawford, have been outstanding examples of a musical match made in heaven. You can hear the latest beautiful version of that match on the new CD, “Randy Crawford and Joe Sample Live.”

Listening to Joe talk about his history in the music business is literally listening to the history of jazz over the last half century. In our conversation he talks about his Creole heritage and its influence on his music, how the Crusaders were always, “at the right time, in the right place, with the right goods,” social conditions that were the inspiration for many of his best compositions, and his enduring love and respect for Randy Crawford, whom he refers to as, “a national treasure.” We say the same about him. Click on the player to listen to our 30-minute in-depth conversation with music with music giant, Joe Sample.