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Ken Hitchcock was our friend, our mentor, and the driving force behind our debut album, Rumbalike feat. Ken Hitchcock. He was a Master among the greatest musicians of our time. His unique career and legacy is an impressive trophy for a man as humble, and as giving, and as kind as he. Ken passed away suddenly, shortly after we recorded Rumbalike. He never got to hear the final album. We miss him deeply. Our debut album was Ken Hitchcock's final recording. We dedicate the album to him, our brother!
Ken Hitchcock
(1956-2022)
Tenor Sax / Flute
The renowned jazz musician and beloved saxophone great, the late Ken Hitchcock was an integral part of JStop Latin Soul. Ken was one of the most in-demand multi-reed instrumentalists in New York City before moving to Roanoke, VA. Ken was as equally at home on the Orchestral Concert stage as he was in any type of jazz, big band or combo, funk, R&B or Latin group.
Ken has played on 3 Grammy award winning albums with Gerry Mulligan, Machito, and with Steely Dan on their two most recent CDs including the 4 Grammy Award winner, “Two Against Nature” and “Everything Must Go”.
Ken toured and recorded extensively with Latin and jazz groups including: Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Gerry Mulligan, Machito, Tito Puente, Chico O’Farrell, The Latin Giants, The Bronx Horns, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Mambo Legends Orchestra, Mel Lewis, Bob Mintzer, and the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine. Ken has also performed with Herbie Hancock.
Ken was a soloist for 13 years with Liza Minnelli and toured or recorded with many other exceptional vocalists to include: Sting, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Sarah Vaughn, Mel Torme, Natalie Cole, Michel Legrand, Joe Cocker, Audra McDonald, Chaka Khan, Michael Buble.
In December of 2011 Ken and his wife Sue Halloran released their first CD celebrating their 25th anniversary-“I Can Cook Too”. The CD has received only rave reviews from 9 of the most prominent jazz critics.
For Ken Hitchcock's full biography please visit: