Andrew Love was an American saxophonist who gained fame as one-half of the Memphis Horns, a duo known for their powerful horn arrangements on numerous classic soul and R&B recordings. Born on November 21, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, Love grew up in a musical family and started playing saxophone in his teenage years. He was heavily influenced by blues and jazz musicians, particularly Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt.
In the early 1960s, Love began his professional music career as a sideman for local blues and R&B bands. He soon caught the attention of producer Chips Moman, who invited him to join his new studio band in Memphis. It was here that Love met fellow horn player Wayne Jackson, and together they formed the Memphis Horns in 1967. Over the next three decades, they recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Neil Diamond.
Love’s saxophone playing was a vital component of the Memphis Horns’ signature sound, which blended elements of soul, R&B, and blues with tight horn arrangements. His distinctive tone and inventive solos were particularly notable on tracks like Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”
In addition to his work with the Memphis Horns, Love also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with other musicians. He released a few albums on his own in the 1980s and played with blues guitarist Bobby “Blue” Bland and jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, among others.
Love continued to perform and record with the Memphis Horns until shortly before his death. He passed away on April 12, 2012, at the age of 70, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His contributions to the world of soul and R&B music, both as a member of the Memphis Horns and as a solo artist, continue to be celebrated and remembered by music fans and fellow musicians alike.
Page last updated 3/26/2023.
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