Don Myrick, a legendary saxophonist, was a key member of the renowned horn section "The Phenix Horns", which was formerly associated with the iconic band Earth, Wind and Fire.
Prior to joining Earth, Wind and Fire, Myrick was a member of the Chicago-based band "The Pharaohs". He eventually joined the Phenix Horns in 1975, alongside his close friend Louis "Lui-Lui" Satterfield.
In 1977, Myrick earned a prestigious Grammy Award for "Best Instrumental" for his work on Earth, Wind and Fire's hit song "Runnin'". Throughout his illustrious career, Myrick toured with a wide range of notable bands and singers, including Carlos Santana, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Stanley Turrentine, and Grover Washington, Jr.
Myrick is perhaps most famously associated with his work alongside Phil Collins, playing saxophone with the horns on numerous tracks, such as "I Missed Again", "Who Said I Would", and "Sussudio", among others. He also had a memorable sax solo on Phil Collins' song "One More Night" and contributed to the instrumental piece "The West Side". The Phenix Horns toured with Phil Collins on multiple occasions, up until 1990.
Tragically, on July 30, 1993, Myrick, who was battling leukemia, was shot and killed during a raid on his apartment by narcotics officers from the Los Angeles Police Department. When police entered his apartment, he appeared with a butane lighter and was fatally shot by Officer Gary Barbaro.
Myrick's family eventually won a wrongful death suit against the city, but his legacy as an exceptional saxophonist continues to be celebrated to this day.
