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.
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] He also worked with rockers Vernon Reid and Melvin Gibbs. 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.[8] 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. He also attended workshops with jazz pianist Barry Harris. Later, he attended The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan, where he met Robert Glasper.
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 | Heroes + Misfits | Concord | |
| 2013 | Robert Glasper | Black Radio 2 | Blue Note |