Al Jarreau: The Vocal Innovator of Jazz and Pop
Al Jarreau was an American vocalist celebrated for his virtuosic and improvisational scat singing, seamlessly blending jazz, R&B, and pop. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he achieved a rare feat by winning Grammy Awards in three distinct categories: jazz, pop, and R&B.
Early career
Born in 1940, Alwin Lopez Jarreau initially pursued a career in rehabilitation counseling after earning a master's degree. His passion for music persisted, leading him to perform in small clubs in San Francisco throughout the late 1960s. His first major-label album, "We Got By," was released on Reprise Records in 1975, immediately earning him critical acclaim and a German Grammy.
Breakthrough
Jarreau's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1981 with the album "Breakin' Away." Released on Warner Bros. Records, this project catapulted him to international stardom. The album soared to number one on the Billboard Jazz chart, peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200, and was certified platinum for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States.
Key tracks
We're In This Love Together — This smooth R&B single from "Breakin' Away" became his highest-charting pop hit, reaching number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100.
Mornin' — The Grammy-winning track from "Breakin' Away" is a masterclass in his percussive, breezy vocal style and remains his signature song.
Roof Garden — Featured on 1983's "Jarreau," this funky track showcases his athletic scatting and earned him another Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance.
After All — This 1984 duet with singer Randy Crawford became a major adult contemporary hit, demonstrating his powerful chemistry with other vocalists.
Moonlighting (Theme) — His performance of the theme for the hit television series won him a Grammy and introduced his voice to a massive mainstream audience.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jarreau remained a prolific recording and touring artist. He collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, from jazz pianist Chick Corea to pop producer Nile Rodgers. His 1992 album "Heaven and Earth" earned him the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, while later projects like 2000's "Tomorrow Today" saw him exploring contemporary production.
Artists who share Jarreau's blend of technical mastery and genre-crossing appeal include George Benson, another guitarist and vocalist who found massive success in both jazz and pop. Bobby McFerrin parallels Jarreau's innovative use of the voice as a complete instrumental ensemble. The smooth jazz and R&B stylings of Luther Vandross also resonate with Jarreau's soulful ballads. For listeners drawn to sophisticated vocal jazz, Kurt Elling continues a similar tradition of lyrical improvisation and storytelling.
Al Jarreau's timeless catalog is a staple on sophisticated radio formats, including smooth jazz stations, adult contemporary FM, and dedicated vocal jazz programs. His music maintains a consistent presence across a spectrum of broadcast and online radio streams that celebrate musical craftsmanship.
You can explore the rich vocal legacy of Al Jarreau by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his greatest hits and deep cuts on the variety of jazz, R&B, and classic pop stations available on onairium.com.
