Casey Benjamin’s demise Beloved saxophonist Casey Benjamin, also known as Stutzmcgee, a member of the Robert Glasper Experiment, has unfortunately died away. At the age of 46, he passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
“Tonight, we are heartbroken to learn of the unexpected passing of an early member of the band… one of the first saxophonists to perform regularly with us, Casey Benjamin was an incredible talent and beautiful soul who worked with us for quite a few years and appeared in our early videos,” reads a Facebook post that confirmed his death.
Casey Benjamin’s Childhood
Benjamin, who is originally from South Jamaica, Queens, New York City, started his adventure at the age of eight when he took up the saxophone. His love of music inspired him to study at the renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he refined his abilities even more.
He immersed himself in the rich legacy of jazz and sought advice from greats such as Barry Harris, honing his art. While pursuing his study at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan, he met Robert Glasper by chance, which sparked the start of a successful musical collaboration.
Benjamin furthered his status as a versatile and in-demand musician in 2011 by performing as the keyboards and saxophone for Patrick Stump’s live solo project tour. Benjamin demonstrated his skill as an alto and soprano saxophonist, vocoderist, keyboardist, producer, and composer, without being limited to any one instrument or genre.
Notably, he helped the Robert Glasper Experiment, a band whose critically praised album Black Radio won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. In addition, he and singer Nicky Guiland formed one half of the funk-pop new wave duet HEAVy.
Casey Benjamin’s Career
His career as a musician went beyond these endeavors. Benjamin contributed his skills to Blackout, Stefon Harris’s group. In addition, he worked with a wide range of musicians in the nexus of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, making a lasting impression on the music landscape.
Prominent figures including Roy Hargrove, Betty Carter, Derrick Hodge, and Victor Bailey were among those who worked with him. As he skillfully negotiated partnerships with Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Q-Tip, and Mos Def, bringing his own sound to each project, Benjamin’s flexibility was evident. His talents reverberated throughout many musical landscapes, from Beyoncé to Kanye West.
Casey Benjamin’s musical journey represented innovation, teamwork, and invention throughout his career. Aspiring artists are still motivated by his legacy, which has left a lasting impression on the constantly changing landscape of music.
