In 1981 a well known pop/rock band was recording their 4th album and was looking to add a special saxophone sound. To achieve this sound they requested the artist that was the source of their inspiration to join them in the studio. The artist accepted the bands invitation and recorded a brief but powerful solo on what would later become one of the bands top hits.
This saxophone player was an R&B veteran and was certainly no stranger to playing on hit songs. He was one of the few stand out instrumentalist from the 60’s to receive major airplay on the R&B and pop charts. His group appeared on the top 40’s pop charts numerous times and even held the number one position on the R&B charts for a time in 1965.
The saxophonist continued to tour with his group until the time of his death in 1995. He will forever be remembered for his high energy saxophone growls and a very raunchy altissimo range. Many contemporary saxophonists such as David Sanborn have listed this player as a major influence. If you have ever played or tried to play some mean R&B and Rock saxophone you are being at least indirectly influenced by this man.

Who is the saxophone player, what was the rock band and hit song from 1981 he appeared on?