Casey Benjamin dead at 45: Grammy-award winning saxophonist played with Beyonce, John Legend and Lady Gaga

Saxophonist Casey Benjamin has died at the age of 45.

Benjamin, 45, won two Grammy Awards during his career and played for Beyonce, John Legend, Lady Gaga and with the band Robert Glasper Experiment during his prolific career.

Benjamin’s management confirmed his death with the Huffington Post on Monday. No cause of death was provided.

Musicians paid tribute to Benjamín online after hearing the heartbreaking news.

Derrick Hodge, bassist for The Robert Glasper Experiment, honored Benjamin on Instagram.

‘Tonight I honor a brother. A true brother and friend. Casey Benjamin, thank you for inspiring me, for being a light in my life, and for your incredible influence on the world of music. I will carry your smile with me, brother. And collectively we will honor and carry his legacy with us.

‘I can’t articulate my words right now, but I will echo some of my last words to you: I am grateful for you and I will love you always! Rest well, king.

Lupe Fiasco posted on her Instagram: ‘Rest in peace Casey Benjamin.

‘I can’t even begin to express the deep gratitude and respect.

“My deepest condolences to the family, fans and friends.”

Questlove remembered Benjamin’s incredible talent by paying tribute to the musician on his Instagram with a video of his performance.

‘Man. Knowing what I know about history, I practically know that if you are part of Robert Glasper’s world you are an instant star.

‘Needless to say, the Glasper Experiment’s initial lineup was some Jordan Era 91-93/96-98 Bulls Rings Ish. The line-up for this clip is by @markcolenburg (drums) @dhodgeworld (bass).

‘(needless to say, @chrisdaddydave — not in this lineup here — is the drum god of drum gods, but there was a specific reason I chose this clip instead of a clip that features Dave , but the Glasper/Hodge/Dave lineup alone is monstrous but sadly….

‘It’s to say goodbye to the great Casey Benjamin. Seriously… almost every member of this team was a god in their own right and I considered #CaseyBenjamin the Horace Grant of the team.

‘His presence gave Glasper the space to do what I think Glasper does best, which is paint colors that would otherwise be a chore if Glasper had the job of leading the mission with a single keyboard.

‘It was always my dream to work with Casey, whose vocoder and sax work was simply otherworldly.

‘I know it annoys me with the state of music we’re in with snide comments, but I also love giving credit where credit is due. It’s just sad to give another bouquet of flowers to a creative soul and talented, kind, incredible human being who left the plane before I could record in the studio with him or before I had a chance to tell him one more time how amazing what is your job. was. Rest in Melody Casey.’