Michael Brecker: Grammy-Winning Jazz Saxophonist Dies at 57

Michael Brecker was an American tenor saxophonist and composer. Born on March 29, 1949, in Philadelphia, he came from a musical family and moved to New York in 1970.

He co-led the Brecker Brothers band with his brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and played on hundreds of recordings for artists including Paul Simon, James Taylor, Steely Dan and Frank Zappa. He won 15 Grammy Awards and was known for technical mastery of the tenor saxophone.

Brecker was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2005. He recorded his final album, Pilgrimage, and it was released after his death. He died of leukemia in New York City on January 13, 2007, at age 57.

Achievements: 15 Grammy Awards, Brecker Brothers co-founder.

Birth: March 29, 1949 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Profession: Saxophonist.

Interesting Facts: His posthumous album Pilgrimage won two Grammys.