ATLANTA (CNN) — Al Jarreau, the jazz-pop musician best known for the hits “Breakin’ Away,” “We’re in This Love Together” and the theme song to the popular 1980’s TV show, “Moonlighting,” died Sunday (Feb. 12), according to posts on his verified social media accounts. He was 76.
Jarreau died about 9 a.m. ET surrounded by his wife, son and a few friends, according to posts on his Facebook page and Twitter account.
Nicknamed the “Acrobat of Scat,” Jarreau released more than 20 albums over his storied career and remained a jazz icon and a tireless performer right up until his death.
He had only retired from life performing last week. A February 8 statement on Jarreau’s Twitter account announced the seven-time Grammy Award winner’s retirement from touring after being hospitalized in Los Angeles for exhaustion.
“He is thankful for his 50 years of traveling the world in ministry through music, and for everyone to share this with him — his faithful audience, the dedicated musicians, and so many others who supported his efforts.”
Alwyn Lopez Jarreau was born March 12, 1940 in Milwaukee.
After earning a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa, Jarreau moved to San Francisco, where he crossed paths with a young pianist — and future jazz legend himself — named George Duke.
