Grammy-winning musician Al Jarreau dies at 76

Seven-time Grammy winner Al Jarreau has died. His death comes two days after an announcement was made on his website that he was retiring from touring because of exhaustion.

Jarreau had been in a hospital in Los Angeles and was "slowly recovering," according to a statement posted Thursday. He was 76.

Jarreau died at 6 a.m. PT Sunday, according to a statement from his booking agent Bob Zievers. He was surrounded by his wife, son and other family members and friends, his manager Joe Gordon said in a statement. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Jarreau's family requested contributions be made to the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music.

Jarreau received a lifetime achievement award from the foundation last fall, and an endowment to benefit Milwaukee Public School children needing financial assistance for music programs was established in his name.

First singing at church and PTA meetings when he was four or five, Jarreau told the Journal Sentinel it was at Lincoln High School where "My love of music and singing really deepened. I began to have ideas of taking this as far as it could go. And I kept dreaming that dream and nourishing that dream."

He took that dream exceptionally far. Jarreau has 20 albums to his name, and is the only Grammy vocalist to win in the jazz, pop and R&B categories. He performed 50 concerts last year, including at the White House.

Jarreau is survived by his wife Susan and son Ryan. A small private service is planned for immediate family; no public service is planned yet.