Steppin' Up

Hank Crawford, born Bennie Ross Crawford Jr., was a versatile American musician renowned for his mastery of the alto saxophone, piano, and his skills as an arranger and songwriter. Hailing from Memphis, Crawford's career spanned multiple genres, including R&B, hard bop, jazz-funk, and soul jazz. He gained early fame as a member of Ray Charles' band in the late 1950s, where he served as the musical director, contributing to the iconic sound of the group. Crawford's warm and incisive tone, reminiscent of Charlie Parker, combined with his storytelling lyricism, made his performances both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. After his tenure with Ray Charles, Crawford embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous acclaimed albums under labels such as Atlantic, CTI, and Milestone. His discography is a testament to his enduring talent and influence in the jazz world.