Les McCann

A Music Legend

As a music legend with over 60 albums released and countless appearances all over the world, Les has done it all. Les McCann is an American musical icon

From his debut album “Les McCann Plays The Truth” on Pacific Jazz Records, there was a prolific output (30 albums in 9 years!) including collaborations with The Jazz Crusaders, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Pass, and many others including his classic album on Blue Note Records with Lou Rawls “Stormy Monday”.

Les McCann the Man has been a singular creative force of nature.

Then came ‘lightning in a bottle’ “Swiss Movement: Live at Montreux” with Eddie Harris that contained the smash hit “Compared to What?” During his time with Atlantic Records he experimented with electronic instruments (“Layers”) and the his daring masterpiece “Invitation to Openness” is recognized to this day as a trailblazing album ( One song “The Lovers was 19 minutes long – one whole side of that LP).

While Les continued to record and tour over the years, he also painted prolifically, (another passion) a true Renaissance man. In the midst of all that, he famously discovered and signed Roberta Flack to Atlantic Records………..guiding the production of her debut album with his own producer Joel Dorn.

Whenever he appeared around the world, he carried his Nikon camera and with his unique access unwittingly captured the vibrant culture and changing times which ultimately became the book “Invitation to Openness: The Jazz and Soul Photography of Les McCann 1960-1980”.

His huge influence expanded even further as hundreds of rap and hip hop artists voraciously sampled his music, including; Notorious B.I.G., Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Warren G., Slick Rick, Dr.Dre, Mobb Deep, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Naughty By Nature.

They are not making anymore Les McCanns......................There will never be another like him...............(as you, dear visitor, I 'm sure you would agree.............as you navigate through these pages)............................... LES McCANN - His LIFE - His MUSIC......His ARTISTRY.

- Alan Abrahams, Los Angeles California, September 2022