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Joe Sample, a founding member of Jazz Crusaders which became known simply as The Crusaders in 1971, passed away at the age of 75 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas on Friday, September 12. Joe's manager, Patrick Rains, told AP that the pianist died of complication due to lung cancer.

Joe's representative released a statement regarding his passing on Facebook, "At 9:50pm (Houston,TX time), September 12, 2014, Joe Sample passed. His wife Yolanda and his son Nicklas would like to thank all of you, his fans and friends, for your prayers and support during this trying time. Please know that Joe was aware and very appreciative of all of your prayers, comments, letters/cards and well wishes."

The representative announced on Sunday about services for the late musician. The statement read, "Services for Joe Sample: Friday, September 19, 2014, 6:00pm-9:00pm, wake and viewing open to the general public, My Mother of Mercy Church, 4000 Sumpter St., Houston, TX, 77020. Funeral services will be private." Instead of flowers, Joe's family asked fans to make donations to Joe Sample Youth Organization.

Joe, who was born on February 1, 1939 in Houston, started playing piano when he was 5 years old. He co-founded Jazz Crusaders along with Stix Hooper, Wilton Felder and Wayne Henderson in 1960s. Fifth member Robert Popwell was added after the group shortened their name to The Crusaders in 1971. The group, which had 19 albums that made into Billboard top 200, was disbanded in the 1990s.

Following the disbandment of the group, Joe pursued a solo career. His music has been sampled on some songs, including Tupac Shakur's "Dear Mama". Joe's song "One Day I'll Fly Away" was sung by Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann's movie "Moulin Rouge!"