Les McCann recently passed away at age 88. Best known for his performance with Eddie Harris on “Compared to What,” recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1968, McCann was a major innovator of the soul jazz genre. He often infused influences from the Black church into his jazz improvisation.
Born in Lexington Kentucky, McCann was self-taught. He joined the Navy at age 17 which led him to Los Angeles City College. Soon he was recording a string of albums for the Pacific Jazz Label and performing at Shelly’s Manne Hole in Hollywood and The Blackhawk in San Francisco. McCann was encouraged by Miles Davis early in his career and later went on the discover Roberta Flack and secure a recording contract for her.
McCann’s collaborations with Lou Rawls were iconic and he later began singing on many of his own recordings. His resonant voice complemented his soulful technique on the piano. McCann influenced many young musicians, including pianist Joe Alterman.
