Jazz, funk, and R&B saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin was born and raised in New York
City. She began playing the saxophone at Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the
Performing Arts. While attending New York City’s The New School University, she
was mentored by saxophonist Gary Bartz, who introduced her to the music of John
Coltrane, Jackie McLean, and Charlie Parker. Along with Bartz, she also studied
under Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, Buster Williams and others. She began
playing with renowned jazz figures like Clark Terry and Workman. These
performances led to her work with a wide...