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Houston jazz musician Joe Sample passes away

Houston native Joe Sample was most known for his work with The Jazz Crusaders, who later changed their name to The Crusaders.

HOUSTON – Houston jazz musician Joe Sample died Friday night at the MD Anderson Cancer Center after a bout with lung cancer. He was 75

Sample studied piano at Texas Southern University before starting his group The Jazz Crusaders in the early '70s. The Jazz Crusaders changed their name to just The Crusaders in 1971.

During his career Sample worked with musicians such as Anita Baker, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Marvin Gaye, B.B. King and many others.

The following statement was posted on Sample's Facebook page:

"At 9:50 p.m. (Houston,TX time), September 12, 2014, Joe Sample passed. His wife Yolanda and his son Nicklas would like to thank all of you, his fans and friends, for your prayers and support during this trying time."


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