R.I.P., Al Jarreau

Word came over Sunday afternoon that Grammy-winning singer Al Jarreau, whose vocal talents in jazz, R&B and pop were as treasured in the music industry as his excellent record sales, died in Los Angeles.

Jarreau was 76. He was hospitalized and abruptly retired two weeks ago because of apparent health problems.

Because of his jazz chops, I figured Jarreau recorded a version of Bobby Troup’s “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” along the way.

He did in 2002, relatively late in his career. It’s probably unlike any version you’ve heard:

You can see him open a show with it a couple of years later, using it as a way to introduce his band:

Jarreau’s biggest hit single was this one in 1981, which reached No. 15 on the pop charts.

He also sang the theme song to the popular comedy-drama show, “Moonlighting.”

(Image of Al Jarreau by Fred Seibert via Flickr)

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