WKCR pays tribute to the life and work of Al Foster, who passed away on May 28, 2025 at the age of 82. Aloysius Tyrone Foster was born on January 18, 1943 in Richmond, Virginia, where he began playing the drums at age 13. He began his career when he was only 20 years old, making his recording debut with Blue Mitchell. He is best known for his work with Miles Davis, who first heard Foster play in 1972. Foster’s groove impressed Miles; Foster played with Miles from 1982 through 1985, appearing on albums like Agharta (Columbia, 1975). Miles even wrote a tune for Al: “Mr. Foster,” recorded during the sessions for the 1972 LP On the Corner but not released until 2007. Foster was a versatile player, and enjoyed collaborations with his teenage hero Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and McCoy Tyner, among many others. He also recorded eight albums as a leader, beginning in 1978. He recorded two of those eight albums at Smoke Jazz Club in NYC, and WKCR’s younger, local listeners might best remember him as a regular there.

It is always difficult to lose a musical legend. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who knew Al and to all those who got to know him through his music. Here at WKCR, his legacy lives on. Listeners can tune in to our Al Foster Memorial Broadcast (5 AM - 9 PM ET) on 89.9FM or stream the birthday broadcast live on our website, wkcr.org. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for updates about this special broadcast and future events. As always, online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream.