Casey Benjamin (October 10, 1978 – March 30, 2024)[1] was an American saxophonist (alto and soprano), vocoderist, keyboardist, producer, and songwriter.[2] He was a member of the Robert Glasper Experiment which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for their album Black Radio.[3][4] He was one half of the funk pop new wave duo HEAVy[5] with vocalist Nicky Guiland.[6]
Benjamin was also a member of Stefon Harris's band Blackout and worked with numerous artists at the intersection of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, including Roy Hargrove, Betty Carter, Derrick Hodge, Victor Bailey, Kris Bowers, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Q-Tip, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, Diddy, Heavy D, Consequence, DJ Logic, Wyclef Jean, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and Beyonce.[6][7] He also worked with rockers Vernon Reid and Melvin Gibbs.[6] In 2011, he was the keyboard/saxophonist for Patrick Stump's live solo project tour.[8]
Benjamin was from South Jamaica, Queens, New York City.[6] He picked up the saxophone at eight years old and continued studying the instrument at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.[6] He also attended workshops with jazz pianist Barry Harris.[6] Later, he attended The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan, where he met Robert Glasper.[6]
Benjamin died suddenly on March 30, 2024, at the age of 45. The cause of his death was a pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clot).[9] According to a statement released by his family on his social media, he was recovering from a recent surgery at the time of his death.[10][11]
| Year recorded | Leader | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Stefon Harris | Evolution | Blue Note |
| 2009 | Robert Glasper | Double Booked | Blue Note |
| 2009 | Stefon Harris | Urbanus | Concord |
| 2011 | Robert Glasper | Black Radio | Blue Note |
| 2012 | Kris Bowers | Heroes + Misfits | Concord |
| 2013 | Robert Glasper | Black Radio 2 | Blue Note |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| Other | |
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