Al Jarreau

 Some of the younger generation may never have heard of singer Al Jarreau, but that doesn't mean he isn't relevant anymore. He is the only singer in history to have won Grammy's in three music genres - Pop, R&B, and Jazz - all of which have spanned over four decades since the 1970s. Although secular music is where he made a name for himself, Al Jarreau actually started as a singer in the church at which his father ministered and his mother played the piano. He turned professional after joining with Julio Martinez, an acoustic guitarist, in 1967. They started out in Jazz and moved on to other forms of music but not before he gained notoriety after appearing on shows hosted by Mike Douglas, David Frost, Merv Griffin, and Johnny Carson.  He also performed with such rising stars as Jimmie Walker, Bette Midler, and John Belushi at The Improv. Jarreau's biggest commercial success was in 1981 with the release of "Breakin' Away," which included the smash hit "We're in This Love Together." His successes continued into the new Century as he collaborated in 2003 with Larry Baird in arranging symphony shows throughout America and performing with Miles Davis, George Benson, and David Sanborn, among many others. The first time some of the American Idol fans heard of Al Jarreau was when he appeared on the variety show during the finale of Season Five.