# Al Jarreau

> American singer (1940–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q174547](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q174547)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jarreau)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-jarreau

## Summary
Al Jarreau was an American singer (1940–2017) known for his contributions to jazz, soul, and smooth jazz. He was a Grammy-winning artist and a pioneer in blending jazz with contemporary R&B and pop, earning recognition for his distinctive voice and innovative approach to music.

## Biography
- Born: March 12, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended the University of Iowa and Ripon College
- Known for: Pioneering smooth jazz and blending jazz with contemporary R&B and pop
- Employer(s): Reprise Records, Warner Records Inc., Concord Records, Rhino Entertainment Company, Verve Records
- Field(s): Music, singing, jazz, soul, smooth jazz

## Contributions
Al Jarreau contributed to the music industry through his work with various record labels, including Reprise Records, Warner Records Inc., Concord Records, Rhino Entertainment Company, and Verve Records. He released numerous albums and singles that blended jazz, soul, and pop, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. His innovative approach to music helped shape the smooth jazz genre and influenced contemporary artists.

## FAQs
**What genres of music was Al Jarreau known for?**
Al Jarreau was known for his work in jazz, soul, and smooth jazz. He blended these genres with contemporary R&B and pop, creating a unique sound that earned him critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards.

**Where did Al Jarreau receive his education?**
Al Jarreau attended the University of Iowa and Ripon College. His education provided him with a strong foundation in music and the arts, which influenced his career as a singer and musician.

**Which record labels was Al Jarreau associated with?**
Al Jarreau was associated with several record labels, including Reprise Records, Warner Records Inc., Concord Records, Rhino Entertainment Company, and Verve Records. These affiliations helped him promote and distribute his music recordings and videos globally.

**What awards did Al Jarreau receive?**
Al Jarreau received multiple Grammy Awards, including awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Music Video, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and Best Traditional R&B Performance. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.

**What was Al Jarreau's influence on the music industry?**
Al Jarreau's influence on the music industry was significant. He pioneered the smooth jazz genre and blended jazz with contemporary R&B and pop, creating a unique sound that earned him critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. His innovative approach to music helped shape the smooth jazz genre and influenced contemporary artists.

## Why They Matter
Al Jarreau mattered as a pioneer in the smooth jazz genre and a bridge between jazz and contemporary R&B and pop. His innovative approach to music helped shape the sound of the 1970s and 1980s, influencing generations of musicians. His contributions to the music industry, including his work with various record labels and his numerous Grammy Awards, solidified his legacy as a key figure in the evolution of jazz and smooth jazz. Al Jarreau's influence extended beyond his music, as he also mentored and inspired aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the smooth jazz genre and blending jazz with contemporary R&B and pop
- Receiving multiple Grammy Awards, including awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Music Video, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and Best Traditional R&B Performance
- Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music
- Influencing contemporary artists and shaping the sound of the 1970s and 1980s
- Working with various record labels, including Reprise Records, Warner Records Inc., Concord Records, Rhino Entertainment Company, and Verve Records

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Al Jarreau was born on March 12, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He attended the University of Iowa and Ripon College, where he developed his passion for music and the arts. His education provided him with a strong foundation in music, which influenced his career as a singer and musician.

### Musical Career and Genre Innovation
Al Jarreau's musical career began in the 1960s, and he quickly gained recognition for his distinctive voice and innovative approach to music. He was known for his work in jazz, soul, and smooth jazz, blending these genres with contemporary R&B and pop. His innovative approach to music helped shape the smooth jazz genre and influenced contemporary artists.

### Record Labels and Industry Contributions
Al Jarreau was associated with several record labels, including Reprise Records, Warner Records Inc., Concord Records, Rhino Entertainment Company, and Verve Records. These affiliations helped him promote and distribute his music recordings and videos globally. His work with these record labels contributed to the evolution of the music industry and his own career as a singer and musician.

### Awards and Recognition
Al Jarreau received multiple Grammy Awards, including awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Music Video, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and Best Traditional R&B Performance. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music. These awards and recognitions solidified his legacy as a key figure in the music industry.

### Influence and Legacy
Al Jarreau's influence on the music industry was significant. He pioneered the smooth jazz genre and blended jazz with contemporary R&B and pop, creating a unique sound that earned him critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. His innovative approach to music helped shape the sound of the 1970s and 1980s, influencing generations of musicians. Al Jarreau's legacy extends beyond his music, as he also mentored and inspired aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://culturebox.francetvinfo.fr/musique/jazz-blues/al-jarreau-une-grande-voix-s-eteint-252481)
3. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/jarreau-al-1940-2017/)
4. [Source](http://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/amerikanischer-jazz-saenger-al-jarreau-mit-76-jahren-gestorben-14874888.html)
5. BnF authorities
6. AllMusic
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Spotify
9. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
10. [Source](http://www.walkoffame.com/al-jarreau)
11. [Source](https://college.berklee.edu/about/honorary-degree-recipients)
12. [Source](http://www.verizon.com/about/news/press-releases/verizons-national-literacy-champion-al-jarreau-receive-honorary-doctorate-university-wisconsin-milwaukee/)
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. MusicBrainz
15. CiNii Research
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. SNAC
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19. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
20. filmportal.de
21. Internet Broadway Database
22. Nederlandse Top 40
23. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
24. Munzinger Personen
25. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/feb/12/al-jarreau-grammy-winning-jazz-pop-rb-singer-dies)
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. BBC Things
28. Discogs
29. Genius API
30. The Movie Database
31. YouTube API