KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A gospel saxophonist with ties to the Kansas City area has died due to COVID-19.
Brandon McCray, a Sumner Academy and University of Kansas alumnus, died April 19 at 52 years old. He received a doctorate degree in music arts from KU’s School of Music in 2015.
Robert Walzel, dean of KU’s School of Music, said in a news release that McCray had an optimistic spirit and determination.
“In my administrative role in the School of Music, I don’t often have the opportunity to get to know students on a personal level," Walzel said in a statement. "However, I did get to know Brandon. Our discussions about music, saxophone players, gospel musicians, societal challenges of our time, and matters of faith are among my most cherished during the past decade at KU. His music moved me. His spirit inspired me.”
McCray, according to the release, used his own experience to teach music to students at F.L. Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
He also studied music at Kansas City, Kansas, Community College, as well as Emporia State University and Wichita State University.
Area gospel musicians gathered recently to pay homage to McCray’s life and career by playing Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise.”
