The Crusaders were an American music group that was popular in the 1970s for their mix of jazz, pop, and soul sounds. More than 40 albums have been recorded by the group, some live and others as compilations. 19 of these were recorded under “The Jazz Crusaders”, (1961-1970). In 1954, Houston’s jazz pianist Joe Sample joined forces with Wilton Felder, a high school friend and drummer, to create the Swingsters. They were soon joined by Wayne Henderson, Hubert Laws, bassist Henry Wilson, and trombonist Wayne Henderson. This made them The Modern Jazz Sextet. The Jazz Crusaders was born in 1960 when Sample, Felder and Henderson moved to Los Angeles. They recorded their first recordings for Pacific Jazz the following year. The group was very popular throughout the 1960s, mixing R and jazz.
