Les McCann was born on September 23, 1935 in Lexington, Kentucky. Growing up in a musical family, McCann was exposed to music at an early age. He taught himself how to play the piano, and it quickly became apparent that he had a natural talent for music. McCann's family recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music.
During his time in San Francisco with the U.S. military, McCann was introduced to the world of jazz. He developed a deep interest in the genre and began to explore different styles and techniques. McCann's time in San Francisco proved to be a formative period in his musical development, as he was exposed to a wide range of influences that would later shape his unique sound.
McCann's big break came with the release of his top-selling album, Swiss Movement, which featured the platinum hit "Compared to What." The album catapulted McCann to fame and established him as a prominent figure in the jazz world. McCann's effortless blend of jazz, R&B, and soul resonated with audiences around the world, and his music quickly gained widespread acclaim.
Despite the success of Swiss Movement, McCann faced challenges in maintaining the same level of success with subsequent albums. His 1973 release, Live at Montreux and Layers, was met with critical acclaim but failed to match the commercial success of his earlier work. Despite this setback, McCann continued to push the boundaries of jazz and experiment with new sounds and styles.
Throughout his career, McCann's family remained a source of support and inspiration. His roots in Lexington, Kentucky served as a constant reminder of where he came from and the values that shaped him as a musician. McCann's decision to turn down an offer from Miles Davis early in his career to start his own group spoke to his independence and determination to forge his own path in the music industry.
Les McCann's legacy as a pioneering jazz artist continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike. His innovative approach to blending jazz, R&B, and soul has left a lasting impact on the music world. McCann's song "Burnin' Coal" remains a favorite among fans, with over 3 million streams on Spotify. Despite the challenges he faced in his career, McCann's influence on the jazz genre cannot be understated.