Jazz saxophone icon David Sanborn passed away today at 78 years old. The multiple Grammy-winning musician died from a long bout with prostate cancer.

Sanborn was diagnosed with polio at three years old and explained how the radio and music aided in his recovery.

Playing saxophone was an important part of his recovery, according to his official bio, and by the time he was a teenager he was playing alongside blues legends like Albert King and Little Milton. He released his debut solo album, Taking Off, in 1975, when he turned 30.

Sanborn was a big influence on me when I first heard him playing with David Bowie on Young Americans.

He had a distinctive sound and style that has been imitated and copied.

I was fortunate to see him live and he will be sorely missed.