Al Jarreau
Alwyn Lopez Jarreau (March 12, 1940 – February 12, 2017) was a legendary American vocalist renowned for his unique blend of jazz, R&B, and pop. Often called the "Acrobat of Scat," he remains the only artist in history to win Grammy Awards in three separate categories: Jazz, Pop, and R&B.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jarreau was the fifth of six children. His father was a Seventh-day Adventist minister and his mother was a church pianist; he began singing in the church choir at age four. An accomplished student and athlete, he was student council president and an all-city baseball player in high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Ripon College in 1962 and a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa in 1964.
Before his musical breakthrough, Jarreau worked as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco. He performed at night with a jazz trio led by George Duke. In 1968, he committed to music full-time. After years of performing in clubs like Gatsby's in Sausalito and the Troubadour in Hollywood, he was signed by Warner Bros. Records in 1975 at age 35.
His debut album, We Got By (1975), earned critical acclaim, but it was his 1981 album Breakin' Away that brought massive commercial success, featuring the hit "We're in This Love Together". He won a total of seven Grammy Awards across four different decades.
Performed the theme song for the hit 1980s TV series Moonlighting, was a featured vocalist on the 1985 charity single "We Are the World" and played the role of Teen Angel in the 1996 Broadway production of Grease.
Jarreau was married twice, first to Phyllis Hall (1964–1968) and then to model Susan Elaine Player (1977–2017). He had one son, Ryan.
After a career spanning 50 years, Jarreau announced his retirement from touring on February 10, 2017, due to exhaustion. He passed away two days later from respiratory failure at the age of 76. His life is chronicled in the authorized biography Never Givin' Up: The Life and Music of Al Jarreau by Kurt Dietrich, released in 2023.
Glow
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangement] – Nick DeCaro
Bass – Wilton Felder
Percussion – Steve Forman
Strings, Synthesizer [Ensemble] – Larry Nash
Written-By – Leon Russell 3:04
A2 Your Song
Bass – Willie Weeks
Piano [Acoustic] – Joe Sample
Written-By – Elton John-Bernie Taupin 5:37
A3 Agua De Beber
Bass – Wilton Felder
Percussion – Steve Forman
Written-By – Jobim, Gimbel, DeMoraes 3:47
A4 Have You Seen The Child
Bass – Wilton Felder
Organ – Joe Sample
Tambourine – Steve Forman
Written-By – Al Jarreau 3:52
A5 Hold On Me
Written-By – Al Jarreau 1:52
B1 Fire And Rain
Bass – Willie Weeks
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Piano [Acoustic] – Joe Sample
Written-By – James Taylor 4:45
B2 Somebody's Watching You
Bass – Willie Weeks
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Synthesizer – Larry Nash
Written-By – Sylvester Stewart 3:53
B3 Milwaukee
Bass – Paul Stallworth
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Written-By – Al Jarreau 4:52
B4 Glow
Bass – Willie Weeks
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Written-By – Al Jarreau 4:33
Label: Reprise Records – MS 2248
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Jazz, Pop
Style: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Al Jarreau's 1976 album Glow is a smooth blend of jazz, funk, and soul, his second album, showcasing his innovative vocal scatting and interpretation of covers like Leon Russell's "Rainbow in Your Eyes," James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" (funked-up), and Jobim's "Agua de Beber," alongside originals like the funk track "Milwaukee" and his stunning acapella "Hold On Me," featuring top session players like Larry Carlton and Joe Sample for a transcendent, funky-jazzy vibe.
The album highlights Jarreau's signature vocalese, "wah-wah" guitar-like scatting, and impressive multi-tracked acapella work, and seamlessly blends jazz improvisation with funk grooves, evident in tracks like "Fire and Rain" and "Somebody's Watching You".
It features insightful covers of popular artists (Elton John, Sly Stone, Jobim) alongside originals, breathing new life into them.
Standout Tracks: Includes the funky "Milwaukee," the Brazilian-infused "Agua De Beber," the vocal showcase "Hold on Me," and the infectious "Rainbow in Your Eyes".
Supported by legendary session players, including Wilton Felder, Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, and Ralph MacDonald, adding rich instrumentation.
Glow is considered an amazing, even transcendent album, building on his debut and solidifying his unique sound with its smooth, funky, and vocally dazzling approach, making it a key moment in his career.