#casey benjamin

Saxophonist Casey Benjamin Dies at 45

- “I’m forever honored to have shared the stage and my life with him,” Robert Glasper says

Saxophonist and multi-instrumentalst Casey Benjamin, best known for his work with the Robert Glasper Experiment, has died.

Benjamin was 45 and was recovering from surgery when he died March 30, his family said.

“We are still gathering all the facts,” Benjamin’s family said. “We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and Casey’s esteemed music community. Casey stayed true to the art of his music, and the energy of his spirit will live on in eternity.”

Benjamin was “one of the most gifted and talented beings ever,” Glasper told radio station WRTI.

“There is no Robert Glasper Experiment without him,” Glasper said. “The world lost a giant and I lost a brother. I’m forever honored to have shared the stage and my life with him.”

Glasper’s label, Blue Note Records, eulogized Benjamin as “a beautiful soul and singular musician” who was “integral” to the Experiment’s sound. Butcher Brown, meanwhile, called the late musician “one of the greatest of our time.

“Thank you for all of the inspiration, King,” the band wrote on social media.

Benjamin’s session and touring work - on sax, flute and electronics - included gigs with Blackout, Q Tip, Solange and Pusha T, among others.

“Rest in power, Casey Benjamin,” Jeff Coffin of Dave Matthews Band said. “You will be deeply missed, brother.“

Casey Benjamin (October 10, 1978 – March 31, 2024) was an American saxophonist (alto and soprano), vocoderist, keyboardist, producer, and songwriter. He was a member of the Robert Glasper Experiment which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for their album Black Radio. He was one half of the funk pop new wave duo HEAVy with vocalist Nicky Guiland. Benjamin was also a member of Stefon Harris’s…