A largely self-taught musician, Les McCann joined the Navy in the 1950s and was stationed in California. In 1956, he won a Navy talent contest as a singer and appeared on the “Ed Sullivan Show,” according to the 2007 book “The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz.”
Les McCann was a key inspiration for Bonnie Raitt, Bill Withers, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and many more. His 1969 recording of 'Compared to What' with saxophonist Eddie Harris has been sampled hundreds of times.
Les McCann, soul jazz pianist and singer, has died. The musician was known for his 'Swiss Movement' live album, pioneering the soul jazz sound and his samples on Notorious B.I.G, Snoop Dogg and A Tribe Called Quest songs.
Les McCann, jazz pianist with a soulful holler, dies at 88 wprl.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wprl.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.