Saxophonist Casey Benjamin Passes Away at 45
Photo Credit: Dani Barbieri/Ava Allan
Casey Benjamin, the saxophonist who got his start as an original member of the Grammy Award-winning Robert Glasper Experiment, has passed away. Confirmation of the artist’s death arrived after Living Colour’s Vernon Reid responded to a Tweet/X status that read, “Casey Benjamin is gone,” referencing the loss as “brutal & terrible,” before offering condolences. No cause of death has been shared. Benjamin was 45 years old.
Benjamin was born on October 10, 1978, in South Jamaica, Queens, N.Y., and picked up his choice instrument by the humble age of 8. The artist continued to build on his saxophone skills while studying at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, a public education institution specializing in the arts.
In time, Benjamin participated in workshops, learning alongside esteemed jazz pianist and educator Barry Harris. During his collegiate years, the artist enrolled at the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, a branch of The New School, where he first met Glasper. He soon established himself as a debut member of the Robert Glasper Experience alongside bassist Derrick Hodge, drummer Chris Dave, and the namesake.
The aforementioned group unleashed their joint sound on 2009’s Double Booked. The 2012 released Black Radio set earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, further solidifying the group’s collaborative prowess as it pertained to the genre category.
Benjamin also acted as musical director for jazz-acid favorite DJ Logic, working with him on multiple occasions and a variety of notable settings over the years, including the groundbreaking debut Project Logic album in 1999. He earned additional accreditation for his instrumental and writing skills working with various jazz, hip-hop and R&B favorites like John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar.
In the wake of the artist’s passing, friends, fans, and collaborators have memorialized Benjamin via social media. Scroll down to view.
The passing of Casey Benjamin is a brutal & terrible shock. He was a longtime MD to @projectlogic. My sincerest condolences go out to my YoHimBe Brother on this day of revelation. I’m in a weird place with it. Too young! Too soon!. So much left to give! Rest. In. Power, CB!🌹😞 https://t.co/4Nm2tStUrv
— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) April 1, 2024
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Rest in peace Casey Benjamin. We’ve lost one of the greatest musicians of our time. I will always love you and miss you, my friend. pic.twitter.com/3EF8jhgo9v
— SINKANE (@Sinkane) April 1, 2024
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View this post on Instagram
