The Crusaders
Group
The Crusaders were an American jazz and funk band, which was founded in 1952 in Houston, Texas. Initially known as "The Jazz Crusaders," the band changed its name in 1971 to reflect their broader musical style that had evolved to include elements of funk and R&B. The founding members include Joe Sample (keyboards), Wilton Felder (saxophone), and Nesbert "Stix" Hooper (drums). Their music was distinguished by rich melody and rhythms that combined jazz with pop and funk, garnering significant appeal and commercial success with tracks such as "Street Life" and "Way Back Home." The band remained active until the 1990s, maintaining a timeless influence on the jazz and contemporary music scenes.
