JASON RAEJason Rae, who died on 23 March, 2008, aged 32, was a jazz saxophonist married to singer Corinne Bailey Rae.
He had joined his wife in the studio and on stage, as well as performing with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Mark Ronson and Martina Topley-Bird.
His own band, The Haggis Horns, had released their debut album of jazz-funk the previous September to much acclaim. Mrs Rae had also sung on the album and joined the band at their concerts.
Jason Bruce Rae, who was from Aberdeen, took up the saxophone as a child. He attended Leeds College of Music and graduated with the top prize for jazz.
It was in Leeds that he met not only his band mates but also his future wife – she was working as a cloakroom attendant at a nightclub to pay her way through university.
They married in 2001. Corinne, who broke into the charts in 2006 with the hit single Put Your Records On and her self-titled first album, spoke frequently of her husband’s support during her career.
Talking about touring in 2007 she said: "I’ve never appreciated Jason more in my life. When I’m away, I realise how rare what we have is and I can’t wait to get back to it. If you only get three days at home, you make it a really good three days."
His band said: "Jason’s wit, intellect and talent have been an integral part and lit up the lives of all those lucky enough to have met him. In times as unforeseen and unbelievable as these our thoughts, love and actions are to help all the people who knew him, his family and his incredible wife Corinne."
Mark Ronson said: "It's such a sad, sad thing, I'm sorry that I can't really put anything into words. However, I will say that he was an incredible dude, a lovely gentle man, one of the funniest people ever."
Keep me informed of updates
