Photo: Heinrich Klaffs, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Saxophonists · 1935–1977

Rahsaan Roland Kirk

American musician (1935-1977)

Born: 7 August 1935
Columbus
Died: 5 December 1977
Bloomington
Country: United States
Record labels: Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records, Chess Records, King
Discography: 42 albums

Biography

Rahsaan Roland Kirk was a jazz musician who played saxophone, clarinet, flute and percussion instrument. Rahsaan Roland Kirk was born on 7 August 1935 in Columbus and died on 5 December 1977 in Bloomington. The music is usually filed under jazz, swing and hard bop. Record labels: Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records, Chess Records and King. The discography here lists 42 albums, from “Triple Threat” (1957) to “Vibrations in the Village: Live at the Village Gate” (2025).

Rahsaan Roland Kirk (born Ronald Theodore Kirk; August 7, 1935 – December 5, 1977), known earlier in his career simply as Roland Kirk, was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist who played tenor saxophone, flute, and many other instruments. He was renowned for his onstage vitality; in his shows, virtuoso improvisation was accompanied by comic banter, political ranting, and the simultaneous playing of several instruments.

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Discography

Studio and live albums

Triple Threat 1957

Introducing Roland Kirk 1960

Kirk’s Work 1961

We Free Kings 1961

Domino 1962

Reeds & Deeds 1963

Gifts & Messages 1964

Kirk in Copenhagen 1964 · Live

I Talk With the Spirits 1965

Slightly Latin 1966

Here Comes the Whistleman 1967 · Live

Now Please Don’t You Cry, Beautiful Edith 1967

The Inflated Tear 1968

Left & Right 1969

Volunteered Slavery 1969 · Live

Natural Black Inventions: Root Strata 1971

A Meeting of the Times 1972

Blacknuss 1972

Bright Moments 1973 · Live

Prepare Thyself to Deal With a Miracle 1973

The Case of the 3 Sided Dream in Audio Color 1975

The Return of the 5000 Lb. Man 1975

Other Folks’ Music 1976

Kirkatron 1977

Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real 1978

Live in Paris Vol. 1 1988 · Live

Live in Paris, 1970, Vol. 2 1988 · Live

The Man Who Cried Fire 1990

Les Génies du Jazz (Tome 6, No. 2): Roland Kirk (Black Classical Music) 1991 · Live

Sweet Fire 1991 · Live

(I, Eye, Aye) 1996 · Live

Gifts and Messages 1996 · Live

Compliments of the Mysterious Phantom 2003 · Live

Brotherman in the Fatherland 2006 · Live

In Europe 1962-1967 2006 · Live

1972-04-02: Village Vanguard, New York City, NY (USA) 2010 · Live

Live in Dortmund 1976 2017 · Live

Live at Ronnie Scott’s, 1963 2022 · Live

Live in Paris (1970) 2024 · Live

Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse 2025 · Live

Vibrations in the Village: Live at the Village Gate 2025 · Live

1978-12-31: Memorial Jazz Festival, Keystone Corner, San Francisco, CA · Live

Also plays on

Albums where Rahsaan Roland Kirk is credited as a sideman

1962	Big Band Bossa Nova — Quincy Jones	flute
1963	Plays Hip Hits — Quincy Jones	woodwind
1994	Quincy Plays for Pussycats — Quincy Jones	flute

Frequently asked questions

What instrument did Rahsaan Roland Kirk play?

Rahsaan Roland Kirk is known for playing saxophone, clarinet, flute and percussion instrument.

When and where was Rahsaan Roland Kirk born?

Rahsaan Roland Kirk was born 7 August 1935 in Columbus.

What are Rahsaan Roland Kirk's best-known albums?

Albums in our database include Triple Threat (1957), Introducing Roland Kirk (1960), Kirk’s Work (1961), We Free Kings (1961) and Domino (1962).

External links

Data compiled from open sources; see the source links below. Spotted an error? Let us know.