Joseph Leslie "Joe" Sample, a celebrated American pianist, keyboard player, and composer of immense talent and dedication, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the influential jazz group, the Jazz Crusaders, from its inception to its metamorphosis into The Crusaders in 1971. Throughout his illustrious and storied career, Sample remained an integral and vital component of the group, contributing his unique style and expertise to their music until the release of their final album in 1991, with the notable exception of the 2003 reunion album "Rural Renewal", which marked a temporary return to the group's roots.
With a burning passion for music that was evident from an incredibly young age, Sample's journey as a pianist began when he was just five years old, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that would span decades and yield countless accolades.
As the 1980s dawned, Sample's talent and dedication began to pay off in a big way, as he started to make a name for himself as a solo artist, working alongside some of the most iconic and influential musicians of the time. Among his esteemed collaborators were the incomparable jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, the guitar virtuoso George Benson, the soulful vocalist Jimmy Witherspoon, the legendary blues musician B.B. King, the rock legend Eric Clapton, and the groundbreaking rock band Steely Dan.
Sample's solo endeavors have garnered widespread acclaim, with his 1993 album "Invitation" being widely regarded by many as his magnum opus to date, a testament to his artistic mastery and creative genius, despite receiving less radio airplay than some of his other releases, which has only served to further solidify its cult classic status.
The talented musician's repertoire has not only graced the airwaves of a renowned television program, but has also been showcased on The Weather Channel's Local On The 8s, a popular platform that brings his unique sound to a vast audience. Moreover, one of his notable songs, "One Day I'll Fly Away", has been expertly reimagined by the esteemed actress Nicole Kidman in the highly acclaimed and visually stunning film Moulin Rouge!, directed by the visionary Baz Luhrmann.
