The Jazz Crusaders
This remarkably versatile group was formed in Houston, Texas as the Swingsters. During the '50s, Wilton Felder (b. 31 August 1940, Houston, Texas, USA; reeds), Wayne Henderson (b. 24 September 1938, Houston, Texas, USA; trombone), Joe Sample (b. 1 February 1939, Houston, Texas, USA; keyboards) and Nesbert Stix Hooper (b. 15 August 1938, Houston, Texas, USA; drums), forged a reputation as an R&B group before moving to California. Known as the Jazz Crusaders, they were signed by the Pacific label for whom they recorded a series of melodious albums. In 1970 the quartet truncated their name to the Crusaders in deference to an emergent soul/funk perspective. In truth the group exaggerated facets already prevalent in their work, rather than embark on something new. A 1972 hit, Put It Where You Want It, established a tight, precise interplay and an undeniably rhythmic pulse. The song was later recorded by the Average White Band, the kind of approval confirming the Crusaders’ newfound status. Henderson left the group in 1975, and several session musicians, including master guitarist Larry Carlton, augmented the remaining nucleus on their subsequent recordings. In 1979 the Crusaders began using featured vocalists following the success of STREET LIFE. This international hit helped launch Randy Crawford's solo career, while a further release, I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today, re-established Joe Cocker. Although Hooper left the line-up in 1983, and was replaced by Leon Ndugu Chancler, Felder and Sample continued the group's now accustomed pattern. THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES, released in 1986, celebrated the Crusaders 30th anniversary and featured several ‘special guests’ including jazz singer Nancy Wilson.