Renowned saxophonist Casey Benjamin, who was an original member of the Robert Glasper Experiment, has passed away at the age of 46. His cause of death is currently unknown. Vernon Reid of Living Colour tweeted his condolences, calling Benjamin’s passing “a brutal & terrible shock.” He also referred to him as his “YoHimBe Brother” and noted that Benjamin had so much left to give. Sudanese-American musician Sinkane also expressed his grief, calling Benjamin “one of the greatest musicians of our time” and adding that he will always love and miss him.
Benjamin was born in 1978 in the South Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, New York. He began playing the saxophone at the age of eight and later studied at the Harlem School of the Arts, LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. It was there where he met pianist and composer Robert Glasper in 1997.
Benjamin is best known for his work with the Robert Glasper Experiment, which he helped form along with Glasper, Derrick Hodge, and Chris “Daddy” Dave. The quartet made their first appearance on Glasper’s 2009 album “Double-Booked.” The band’s 2012 album “Black Radio” won Best R&B Album at the Grammy Awards in the following year. Their second album in the series, “Black Radio 2,” won them the Best Traditional R&B Performance Grammy in 2015.
Benjamin also toured with Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump and worked with musicians like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and Beyoncé. He served as the musical director for acid-jazz pioneer DJ Logic, playing an important role in the growth of the music genre.
Benjamin’s passing has left the music industry in mourning for a true talent who was taken too soon. His music and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to make an impact for years to come
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