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The Crusaders are an American jazz group formed in Los Angeles in 1960. The band originated from a group of school friends from Houston, Texas, who played together in a high school marching band and initially formed the Swingsters in 1954. While attending Texas Southern University, they met a trombone player and, along with two others, created the Modern Jazz Sextet. In 1958, future members Sample, Felder, Hooper, and Henderson dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles, where they performed as The Nite Hawks. In 1960, they returned to jazz and established the Jazz Crusaders as a quintet, securing a contract in 1961 with a succession of different bass players. As the 1960s progressed, their hard bop style evolved, incorporating more soul-jazz elements. They shortened their name to The Crusaders in 1971, and throughout the 1970s, they became funkier, utilizing the guitar vamps of a new member. Their best-known hit, “Street Life,” helped bring guest vocalist attention to the public. The group is also recognized for their work as backing musicians on over 200 gold records, collaborating with artists such as Steely Dan, Curtis Mayfield, Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, and Van Morrison.

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