The Crusaders – Jazz Fusion Legends

The Crusaders were an American jazz/jazz rock/jazz fusion band which rose to fame during the 1960s and became successful during that decade as well as during the 1970s. The band was also known as The Jazz Crusaders from 1960 up until 1971, when they shortened their name to The Crusaders. Their music included influences and tints of R&B and blues.

The Crusaders in 1975. Image source: Commons Wikimedia

Hailing from Houston, Texas, the group’s music was a blend of jazz, jazz fusion, soul jazz, and jazz-funk. The were initially signed with Pacific Jazz but they subsequently changed their label to ABC/Blue Thumb, MCA, and GRP.

The Crusaders in 1977. Image source: Commons Wikimedia

The group is best known for their 1979 hit single ‘Street Life’ which featured American R&B and jazz singer Randy Crawford on lead vocals. The group is equally best known for their studio album of the same name which was a tremendous success, reaching the Billboard Chats in the Jazz Albums category on the 1st position. Throughout their career, when they were initially titled ‘The Jazz Crusaders’, the group released 18 albums (including live albums). Later on, when they switched to the simplified and shorter version of their band name, they released a total number of 22 albums.

The Crusaders – Southern Comfort (1974). Image source: www.pinterest.com

Below I selected two most notable songs that I like very much from their discography. Both songs are part of the studio album ‘Southern Comfort’ which was released in 1974. Therefore, that being said and without any further needless ado on my behalf, I wholeheartedly recommend integrally listening to ‘Whispering Pines‘ and ‘Lillies of the Nile‘, two extremely fine jazz rock/jazz fusion tunes. I truly hope you’ll like both! All the best, much health, take care, stay safe, many blessings, and great peace your way! God bless you and keep on listening to jazz rock/jazz fusion!

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