Famed saxophonist Andrew Love has died at the age of 70.
The musician lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease on Thursday (12Apr12).
Love, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1941, grew up playing the saxophone in the gospel choir at his father's church.
He could arouse your deepest emotions, but he would do it gently, softly
He later met trumpeter Wayne Jackson at music label Stax Records during the 1960s and they soon formed their own band, Memphis Horns.
Together the duo went on to perform on a host of Grammy Award-winning songs and their recordings were featured on albums by Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, U2 and Neil Young.
The pair also toured with Jimmy Buffett and The Doobie Brothers.
Expressing his sadness over his pal's passing, Stax Records co-owner AlBell tells the Los Angeles Times, "Stax Records would not have become what it became without them.
"I love saxophone players, and I have many saxophone players I admire and hold in high esteem.
"But I have never heard a saxophone player who affects and penetrates me like Andrew Love. "It was the spirit in him and you could feel it in The Music.
"He could arouse your deepest emotions, but he would do it gently, softly. It was like he was making love to your soul".
Love, who retired in 2004, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in February (12).
