Don Myrick
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Don Myrick (born c. 1940; d. 1993) was a professional saxophone musician. He played alto, tenor and soprano sax. He was a member of Earth Wind & Fire's original horn section, The Phenix Horns Esq. from 1975 through 1982. Previously, Myrick was a member of the musical group The Pharoahs.
Some of his most famous saxophone solos include Phil Collins' "One More Night", the live recording of "Reasons" featured on the Earth Wind & Fire Gratitude album, and "After the Love is Gone" from the album I Am. He performed with many prominent musicians including Carlos Santana and Grover Washington, Jr..[1] Myrick appeared on albums of many artists, including Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Dells, Regina Belle, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Heaven 17.
Earth, Wind & Fire's single "Runnin'" earned him the 1977/78 Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental.[1]
[edit] Death
Myrick was fatally shot in Los Angeles, California by a Santa Monica policeman during a narcotics investigation.[2] While attempting to serve a search warrant, Police Officer Gary Barbaro fired one shot after mistaking a butane lighter in Myrick's hand for a weapon. Myrick was 53 years old.
Myrick was survived by his mother, wife, and three daughters. In 1995, their wrongful death lawsuit against the city was settled for $400,000.[3]
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b "Saxophonist Donald Myrick fatally shot in drug probe", Jet, 23 August 1993.
- ^ Chazanov, Mathis. Obituary. The Los Angeles Times, 15 August 1993.
- ^ Associated Press. "Lawsuit settled in Donald Myrick’s death", 4 August 1995.
