Jazz Musician Les McCann, Known for Politically Charged Hit confirmed dead.
At the 1969 Montreux Jazz Festival, renowned jazz pianist Les McCann experienced a pivotal moment in his career. Performing “Compared to What,” a tune written by his buddy Gene McDaniels, he spontaneously jammed with saxophonist Eddie Harris. Using his soulful vocals to complement words criticizing religious hypocrisy, wealth, and the Vietnam War, McCann’s performance touched a sensitive cultural nerve.
After Roberta Flack recorded the song initially, it evolved into a potent statement of disappointment. The crowd responded favorably to McCann’s rendition, which had a jovial vamp and increasing key modulations. At the concert, McCann’s skill as a musician and his capacity to blend social commentary and emotion into his songs were on full display.
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“Compared to What,” with its angry and depressing tone, perfectly encapsulated a significant part of its time. It charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks after being released by Atlantic Records as a single. The song remained on the Billboard 200 for 38 weeks as part of the live album Swiss Movement.
For Les McCann, “Compared to What” became a hallmark song throughout his career. He kept putting out hit records; in 1971, he co-wrote Second Movement, an album with Eddie Harris. Later generations of musicians, including as Massive Attack, Mobb Deep, and the Notorious B.I.G., sampled the song in their hip-hop works, demonstrating the song’s enduring influence.
Les McCann’s manager Alan Abrahams stated that the 88-year-old died of pneumonia on December 29, 2023. McCann had spent the previous four years in a nursing home.
Jazz Musician Les McCann, Known for Politically Charged Hit confirmed dead.
