The world of music mourns the loss of Casey Benjamin, the talented saxophonist known for his work with the Robert Glasper Experiment. At just 46 years old, his untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the community. But who was this remarkable musician, and what legacy does he leave behind? Join us as we uncover the details surrounding Benjamin’s life and the impact he made on the world of music.
Casey Benjamin’s Death
Casey Benjamin passed away at 46 years of age. The popular musician was well-known for his extraordinary saxophone and Robert Glasper Experiment vocoder skills. As of this writing, the reason for his death is unknown.
Benjamin, who was born in Queens, New York, in 1978, studied at the renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts before enrolling at the New School. Benjamin started playing the saxophone at the age of eight. He made a long-lasting artistic connection with a young Robert Glasper whom he met there.
Shocked & saddened by the news that saxophonist Casey Benjamin has passed away, a beautiful soul & singular musician whose distinctive sound on alto & vocoder was integral to the Robert Glasper Experiment on albums including "Black Radio" & "ArtScience." https://t.co/t9vMa3bL6Q
— Blue Note Records (@bluenoterecords) April 1, 2024
The innovative 2012 album Black Radio, which included guest appearances by Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Lupe Fiasco, Bilal, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, Yasiin Bey, and more, won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for The Robert Glasper Experiment, which is primarily composed of Robert Glasper (keys, piano, synths), Derrick Hodge (bass), Chris Dave (drums, percussion), and Casey Benjamin (vocoder, flute, saxophone, and synths).
The album’s rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America” on the follow-up, 2013’s Black Radio 2, earned Benjamin his second Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. The album was also nominated for Best R&B Album.
Benjamin worked with several notable jazz and hip-hop artists in addition to Glasper, such as Kendrick Lamar, Betty Carter, Nas, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Beyoncé, and others. Alongside vocalist Nicky Guiland, he also performed as half of the funk-pop new wave duet HEAVy.
Colleagues and admirers of Benjamin have paid tribute to him on social media. Bassist Derrick Hodge, who was in the same band as Casey during the Robert Glasper Experiment, was one of many who sent their condolences.
Hodge posted on Instagram, expressing sadness, saying, “Tonight, I honor a brother. 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.”
Hodge continued, “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.”
Vernon Reid of Living Colour was one of the people who also paid tribute, describing Benjamin’s demise as a “brutal & terrible shock” on Twitter. He wrote, “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!”
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