Remembering Grover Washington, Jr

The late Grammy-winning saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. was a super-force in the jazz and soul

worlds, and when he passed away in 1999 at age 56, it left a hole in the hearts of his fans and fellow

musicians.

Born in Buffalo, he eventually made Philadelphia his home, and there is a mural honoring him near the

intersection of Broad and Diamond streets to prove how much the city treasured him.

After the commercial success of his fourth album, “Mister Magic” (1974), he continued his success with

the signature 1980 album, “Winelight,” along with many others. He is remembered with affection by

many contemporary jazz artists, including Kenny G, Najee, Boney James and Pamela Williams, for

encouraging and helping them with their careers.

Washington performed at Berks Jazz Fest in 1998. His memory will be kept alive at this year’s festival

with a concert featuring saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp and Kim Waters; bassist Gerald

Veasley; pianist Bill Jolly; percussionist Pablo Batista; keyboardist Donald Robinson; drummer Li’l John

Roberts; guitarist Wawa Legrand; vocalist Carol Riddick and The Berks Horns.

All were inspired by and/or worked with Washington. Batista toured with Washington as his

percussionist from 1991 to 1999, and Robinson was his keyboardist and music director for seven years.