Biography:

Casey Benjamin (October 10, 1978 – March 31, 2024) was an American saxophonist (alto and soprano), vocoderist, keyboardist, producer, and songwriter.^[1] He was a member of the Robert Glasper Experiment which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for their album Black Radio.^[2][3] He was one half of the funk pop new wave duo HEAVy^[4] with vocalist Nicky Guiland.^[5]

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.^[5][6] He also worked with rockers Vernon Reid and Melvin Gibbs.^[5] In 2011, he was the keyboard/saxophonist for Patrick Stump‘s live solo project tour.^[7]

Benjamin was from South Jamaica, Queens, New York City.^[5] 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.^[5] He also attended workshops with legendary jazz pianist and educator Barry Harris.^[5] Later, he attended The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan, where he met Robert Glasper.^[5]

Benjamin died on March 31, 2024, at the age of 45.^[8][9]

Credits: