Al Jarreau tickets

The only performer to win Grammy Awards in three different categories -- jazz, pop and R&B -- Al Jarreau's smooth, polished sound seamlessly ventures into a variety of genres. Critics have long lauded his original compositions, thoughtfully selected pop covers and interpretations of jazz standards, while his dedicated fan base has since the '70s sent his records high up the R&B, jazz and mainstream charts alike. All the while, regular Al Jarreau tour dates have showcased his sound to welcoming audiences at venues across the globe.

Al Jarreau's background

Al Jarreau was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisc., where he got his start with his church choir. After relocating to L.A. as a young adult, Jarreau sang in clubs throughout the mid-1960s. However, it would be another decade before he would sign with a major label.

In 1975, Al Jarreau released We Got By and gained further exposure by performing on an early episode of Saturday Night Live. His next album, 1976's double live, jazz-centric Look to the Rainbow, broke into the Top 50 on the U.S. album charts. Jarreau's cult following grew further with his 1978 release, All Fly Home, which featured mostly original compositions, as well as covers of the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home" and Otis Redding's "Dock of the Bay."

By 1980, Jarreau was incorporating more pop and R&B influences into his refined repertoire, with This Time offering emotional ballads alongside reinterpreted jazz standards. His 1981 release, Breakin' Away, reached the Top 10 of the album charts and yielded hit singles with both the title track and "We're in This Love Together," which reached No. 6 on the R&B charts and No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. His 1984 single "After All" also made the Hot 100 and reached No. 26 on the R&B chart.

In the early 2000s Jarreau returned to the recording studio and renewed his reputation with a trio of well-received albums: 2000's Tomorrow Today, 2002's All I Got and 2004's Accentuate the Positive. Another highlight was his 2006 album Givin' It Up, recorded with guitarist George Benson. The album was nominated for three Grammys and features appearances by Paul McCartney, Patti Austin and Herbie Hancock.

Similar to Al Jarreau

Fans of Al Jarreau might also enjoy Johnny Mathis or Patti LaBelle.