James Casey was an American musician whose proficiency in the saxophone was well-known. He was introduced to show business at a very young age and later pursued a degree in music. Throughout his musical career, he collaborated with numerous performers and ensembles, including “Soulive and Lettuce.”
Casey was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2021. He maintained a bright solo career and was a saxophonist for the Trey Anastasio Band up until his death in the early hours of August 28, 2023.
Meet James Casey
James Casey was born in Washington D.C., in Takoma Park, in 1980. His family later related to Phoenix where he and his other siblings were raised. According to reports, James started playing the drums at the age of 3 and began playing the saxophone at the age of 9.
He attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music and bagged a degree in music management after graduating from Desert Vista High School.
After his graduation, Casey joined up with groups like Soulive and Lettuce. His saxophone prowess struck a chord with the band’s devoted and giddy followers. This helped Casey’s stardom soar. The American singer later relocated to New York City where he continued to pursue his love of music as a saxophonist, vocalist, drummer, producer, composer, and musical director.
The Kauai Project, Casey’s debut album as a solo artist, had to be delayed for obvious reasons. His stay on the Hawaiian island at the start of the epidemic served as inspiration for the album in part. Moreover, He released the singles “New Bloom,” “E.J.B.M,” and “Outside”
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All You Need to Know about Casey’s 2-Year-Long Battle with Cancer
Following a performance at Red Rocks in July 2021 with Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann’s Billy & The Kids, James Casey received a colorectal cancer diagnosis. He then had to undergo an urgent procedure to remove a tumor, after which he started a rigorous chemotherapy treatment plan.
As a result, Casey missed other concerts and the Trey Anastasio Band’s 2021 Fall Tour to receive treatment. Later, he chronicled his battle with cancer in the short film, Music As Medicine.
In December 2022, the musician released his first EP, A Little Something For Everyone. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance and the HOPES Clinic at Eastern Virginia Medical School received donations from the holiday album’s sales to help pay for colon cancer screenings for uninsured people.
In July 2023, Casey had two touching appearances with TAB, the first of which was during their encore at Baltimore’s Pier Six Pavilion, where he joined in on the singing of “O-o-h Child.”In Asbury Park, Casey reappeared during TAB’s encore to assist with the singing of “Over The Rainbow” and to play his saxophone for “First Tube.” Also, late in July, Casey performed three performances with Phil Lesh & Friends.
He died at the age of 40
As earlier stated, James Casey was born sometime in 1983. Altogether, he lived for 4 decades before passing on August 28, 2023. Casey’s family and agent confirmed the news of his passing in a message on social media that reads:
It is with profound grief and a broken heart that we confirm the passing of James Casey. He died peacefully in the early morning of August 28, 2023, surrounded by his wife and family.
James persevered through his colon cancer battle for two years, and it was the honor of his career to release solo music and perform during that time. James brought joy to everyone around him and his legacy will live on, both through his music and the advocacy work that’s become so integral to him.It was so important to James to help others avoid his fate – to learn the importance of early colon cancer screenings, know your family history, and be an advocate for your own health. When detected early, colon cancer is almost always curable. He shared his diagnosis publicly and illuminated his ongoing battle to raise awareness and help others.
James was a remarkable human being, beloved for his wit, humility, kindness and generosity. He will be dearly missed.
Casey continued to release music up until his death. His songs include lovely tunes from his unreleased solo EP, The Kauai Project.
By releasing the motivational short film, Music as Medicine: A James Casey Narrative, he furthered his legacy and healing endeavors. The movie uses Casey’s music to promote early colon cancer screening, especially among Black people, by bringing attention to the condition.
Furthermore, Casey has worked with a variety of well-known musicians, including Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Meghan Trainor, The Jonas Brothers, J. Cole, Wu-Tang Clan, The Roots, John Legend, Anderson Paak, Shawn Mendes, 5th Harmony, and more.
The Saxophonist was a Strong Advocate for Colon Cancer Screening
Casey was an advocate for early colon cancer screening, particularly for black men who are at a higher risk. From available records, African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. James has also said that being African American is considered a warning sign for colon cancer already. In the musician’s words, while revealing his diagnosis,
If you’re 35+ please consider getting checked, and make sure to pay attention to your digestive health.
