Donald Myrick was a saxophonist. He played alto, tenor and soprano sax and was a member of Earth, Wind & Fire's original horn section, The Phenix Horns Esq. from 1975 through 1982. Previously, Myrick had been a member of the musical groupThe Pharaohs. Myrick is also credited as a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians Some of his most famous saxophone solos include Phil Collins': "All of My Life", "If Leaving Me Is Easy" and "One More Night", the latter even featuring Myrick performing the sax solo in the official music video, filmed in a London pub. Another was the live recording of "Reasons" featured on the Earth Wind & FireGratitude album, and "After the Love Has Gone" from the album I Am. He performed with many prominent musicians including Grover Washington, Jr. and Carlos Santana. Myrick appeared on albums by artists including Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Dells, Regina Belle, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Heaven 17. Earth, Wind & Fire's single "Runnin'" earned him the 1977/78 Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental.
Myrick was fatally shot in Los Angeles, California by a Santa Monica policeman during a narcotics investigation. While attempting to serve a search warrant, Police Officer Gary Barbaro mistook a butane lighter in Myrick's hand for a weapon. He fired a single bullet that hit Myrick in the chest. Myrick died in the hospital shortly afterward, aged 53 years. Following a funeral service at a Baptist church, his body was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles County. Myrick was survived by his mother, Antoinette Myrick-Carr, wife Barbara, and three daughters; Shani, Lauren, Shirika Myrick, and a cousin, Elliot Myrick. In 1995, their wrongful death lawsuit against the city was settled for $400,000. Myrick's body was buried in an unmarked grave, but on July 27, 2018, shortly before the 25th anniversary of his death, an inspired friend from DAVEL Entertainment, placed his headstone at Inglewood Park Cemetery. The song "For a Friend" by Phil Collins, released on the CD single "We Wait and We Wonder" in 1993, was a tribute to his friend, who actively participated in Collins's songs and shows for many years. As a tribute, Gary Bias performs the saxophone solos that originated with Myrick at Earth, Wind & Fire's live shows.
Knebworth - Plays with Phil Collins Band on Sussudio.
Live At Knebworth - Parts One, Two & Three - Plays with Phil Collins & The Serious Band on In The Air Tonight & Sussudio as well as with Genesis & The Serious Band together on Turn it on again Medley''.
