Biography
Alwin Lopez Jarreau was born on March 12, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the fifth of six children in a musical family; his father was a Seventh-day Adventist minister and singer, while his mother taught piano and played church organ. As a child, he sang in church choirs and at local venues. Jarreau earned a psychology degree from Ripon College in 1962, where he performed with the group Indigos, and a master's in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa in 1964. He worked as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco, moonlighting in jazz clubs with George Duke's trio before partnering with guitarist Julio Martinez in 1967 at Sausalito's Gatsby's nightclub, prompting his full-time music career shift.[1][2][3][4]
Fun Facts
- Al Jarreau is the only artist to win Grammy Awards in three different categories: jazz, pop, and R&B, achieving this across four consecutive decades (1970s-2000s).[1][2][6]
- He sang the theme song for the 1980s TV series Moonlighting and contributed to the 1985 charity single 'We Are the World'.[1][3]
- Known as the 'Acrobat of Scat' for his versatile, acrobatic vocal style blending jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel.[3][4]
- His 1981 album Breakin’ Away was his biggest commercial success, spending two years on the Billboard 200 and featuring the hit 'We’re in This Love Together'.[2][3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- George Duke - Early jazz trio leader and influence during moonlighting phase (Jazz trio performances) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Julio Martinez - Acoustic guitarist duo partner at Gatsby's nightclub (Live performances leading to professional career) [1967]
- Tom Canning - Pianist during Warner Bros. discovery (We Got By debut album (1975)) [1975]
- George Benson - Shared Grammy-winning duet (Givin’ It Up album, 'God Bless the Child') [2006]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jarreau | 1983 | Album |
| Breakin' Away | 1981 | Album |
| High Crime | 1984 | Album |
| Givin' It Up | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Sun | 2013-01-29 | Album |
| Love Songs | 2008-01-29 | Album |
| Glow | 1976-06-15 | Album |
| This Time | 1980-06-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- We're in This Love Together (Breakin' Away)
- Mornin' (Jarreau)
- After All (High Crime)
- We're in This Love Together (Love Songs)
- Summer Breeze (Givin' It Up)
- Trouble in Paradise (Jarreau)
- Boogie Down (Jarreau)
- Roof Garden (Breakin' Away)
- Your Song (Glow)
- Day by Day (feat. Al Jarreau) (City Rhythm)
External Links
Tags: #1970s, #1980s, #2000s
References
Heard on WWOZ
Al Jarreau has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2025 | 21:09 | Brite N Sunny Babefrom All Fly Home | Soul Powerw/ Soul Sister |