Renowned saxophonist Casey Benjamin has passed away at the age of 45. Benjamin, who earned two Grammy Awards during his career, played for a wide range of artists including Beyonce, John Legend, Lady Gaga, and the Robert Glasper Experiment band. Hailing from South Jamaica, Queens, Benjamin began playing the saxophone at just eight years old and later met his future collaborator Robert Glasper while attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Benjamin and Glasper’s band won two Grammy Awards – Best Traditional R&B Performance for their album Black Radio in 2011, and again in 2013 for their cover of the Stevie Wonder track Jesus Children of America. Benjamin’s impressive resume included work with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Nas, Common, Arcade Fire, and many others.
In addition to his work with the Robert Glasper Experiment, Benjamin was also a member of the funk group duo HEAVy with vocalist Nicky Guiland, and performed on Solange’s album A Seat At The Table and A Tribe Called Quest’s final album, We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service. Musicians paid tribute to Benjamin on social media after his passing, with bassist Derrick Hodge honoring him on Instagram and Lupe Fiasco expressing his deep gratitude and respect. Questlove also paid tribute to Benjamin, praising his incredible talent and the impact he had on the music world.
Benjamin’s unique blend of vocoder work and saxophone skills set him apart as a musician, allowing him to work with some of the biggest names in the industry. His presence in the Robert Glasper Experiment brought a special dynamic to the group, with Questlove likening him to the “Horace Grant” of the squad and praising his ability to create a canvas for Glasper’s musical vision. Despite his untimely passing, Benjamin’s legacy as a talented, gracious, and creative soul will continue to live on through his music and the impact he had on those who had the opportunity to work with him. His unique contributions to the music industry and his collaborations with a wide range of artists have left a lasting impression on fans and fellow musicians alike.
The outpouring of tributes and condolences from the music community highlights the deep impact Benjamin had on those around him and the music industry as a whole. As a musician, composer, and collaborator, Benjamin’s talent and creativity shone through in his work with a diverse range of artists and on various albums and projects. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres, styles, and instruments showcased his versatility and skill as a musician, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers. Benjamin’s legacy will be remembered and celebrated by fans, friends, and fellow musicians alike as they continue to honor his memory and the impact he had on the music world throughout his remarkable career.
Casey Benjamin’s passing marks a significant loss for the music community, as his talent, creativity, and contributions to the industry will be greatly missed. His work with the Robert Glasper Experiment, HEAVy, and other artists showcased his passion for music and his dedication to creating memorable and captivating performances. As fans and friends mourn his passing, they will continue to honor his memory by celebrating his music and the impact he had on the industry during his prolific career. Benjamin’s influence will be felt for years to come as his innovative approach to music and his collaborations with a diverse range of artists continue to inspire and resonate with listeners around the world.
