Saxophonist Casey Benjamin has died at age 45.
Benjamin, 45, earned two Grammys during his career and played for Beyonce, John Legend, Lady Gaga, and with the Robert Glasper Experiment band during his prolific career.
Benjamin’s management confirmed his death with the Huffington Post on Monday. A cause of death was not given.
Musicians paid tribute to Benjamin online after learning the heartbreaking news.
Derrick Hodge, a bassist for The Robert Glasper Experiment, honored Benjamin on Instagram.
‘Tonight, I honor a brother. A true brother and friend. Casey Benjamin, thank you for inspiring me, for being a light in my life, and for your unbelievable influence on the music world. I will carry your smile with me, brother. And we will collectively honor and carry your legacy with us.
Saxophonist Casey Benjamin has died at age 45
‘Can’t get my words together at this moment but will echo a few of my last words to you: I’m thankful for you and love you always! Rest well, King.’
Lupe Fiasco posted to his Instagram: ‘Rest In Peace Casey Benjamin.
‘I can’t even begin to express the deep gratitude and respect.
‘My deepest condolences to the family, fans and friends.’
Questlove recalled Benjamin’s incredible talent as he paid tribute to the musician on his Instagram with a video from his performance.
‘Man. Knowing what I know of history I pretty much know that if you are a part of Robert Glasper’s world you are an instant all star.
‘It goes without saying that the initial lineup of the Glasper Experiment was on some Jordan Era 91-93/96-98 Bulls Rings Ish. This clip’s lineup is of @markcolenburg (drums) @dhodgeworld (bass).
‘(it goes without saying @chrisdaddydave —-not in this lineup here——is the drum god of drum gods but there was a specific reason I chose this clip instead of a Dave inclusive clip but the Glasper/Hodge/Dave lineup alone is monstrous but sadly….
Benjamin, 45, earned two Grammys during his career and was a part of the band, the Robert Glasper Experiment
Derrick Hodge, a bassist for The Robert Glasper Experiment, honored Benjamin on Instagram
Lupe Fiasco posted to his Instagram: ‘Rest In Peace Casey Benjamin
‘It’s to say goodbye to the great Casey Benjamin. Seriously…..damn near every member of this squad was a god in their own right and I considered #CaseyBenjamin the Horace Grant of the squad.
‘His presence allowed Glasper the space to do what I think Glasper does best which is paint colors that otherwise would be a task had Glasper had the job of leading the mission with just one keyboard.
‘It was always my dream to work with Casey whose vocoder work & sax work was just friggin otherworldly.
‘I know I b***h about the state of music we’re in with snide remarks but I also love giving credit to where it is due. Just sad to give another bouquet of flowers to a talented gracious amazing creative soul and human being who left the plane before I got to record in the studio with him or before I got a chance to tell him just one more time how mind blowing his work was. Rest In Melody Casey.’
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