Hal Singer, a tenor saxophonist and bandleader whose 1948 hit record “Corn Bread” helped establish a new sound in popular music, died on Aug. 18 at his home in Chatou, a suburb of Paris. His death was confirmed by his wife, Arlette Singer, who said his health had deteriorated in recent years. Mr. Singer’s saxophone carried him through a long career that was rooted in jazz but also paralleled the birth of rhythm and blues and rock ’n’ roll in the 1940s and ’50s. That record showcased “a much raunchier style than most guys were playing,” the singer, songwriter and music historian Billy Vera said. With its robust honks and screams, he added, “Corn Bread” packed in “more punch, more soul, more emotion,” and helped establish the sound that preceded guitar-centric rock ’n’ roll.

Source: New York Times September 12, 2020 18:11 UTC