The Jazz Crusaders

'''The Crusaders''' are an American music group popular in the early 1970s for their amalgamated jazz, pop music and soul sound. From 1961 to present, more than forty albums have been credited to the group (some live and compilations), 19 of which were recorded under the name "The Jazz Crusaders" (1961-1970).

In 1960, following the demise of a few short-lived Houston, Texas-based groups, pianist Joe Sample, drummer Stix Hooper, saxophonist Wilton Felder and trombonist Wayne Henderson relocated to Los Angeles, CA. After changing their name to "The Jazz Crusaders," the group signed with Pacific Jazz Records, where they would remain throughout the 1960s. Employing a two-manned front-line horn section (trombone and tenor saxophone), the group's sound was rooted in hard bop, with an emphasis on R&B and soul.

The group shortened their name to "The Crusaders" in 1971, and adopted a jazz-funk style. They also incorporated the bass guitar and electric guitar into their music. Guitarist Larry Carlton became a member, and was featured prominently on the group's albums throughout most of the 1970s. With this new style came increased crossover appeal, and the group's albums started to appear on the Billboard magazine pop charts. The height of the group's commercial success came with 1979's ''Street Life'', which peaked at #18 on the pop charts.

In 1975, following the release of their 28th album (ninth as "The Crusaders"), Henderson left the group to pursue a full-time career as a record producer. His departure created a void, permanently changing the character of the group. Another founding member, Hooper, left the group in 1983, thus signaling the end to the group's most popular period. Three more albums were recorded in the mid 80s, however by the time the 1990s rolled around "The Crusaders", for the most part, disbanded with a rather comprehensive discography behind them.