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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: National Saxophone Day

by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

November 06, 2025

Saxophonist Jovon Williams of jazz fusion band Room3 performing at First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2024 showcase at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Saxophonist Jovon Williams of jazz fusion band Room3 performing at First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2024 showcase at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.Laura Buhman for MPR

Break out your sunglasses and get ready for a good time because it’s National Saxophone Day! The holiday marks the birthday of Adolphe Sax, who invented the instrument in the 1840s.

Although it’s often used in jazz, the saxophone makes its way into anything that needs a little bit more cool and a lot more woodwind. Let’s work together to create a playlist that is oh, so saxy!

So, for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs with a saxophone in them would you like to hear?

(Nil’s note~ Shouts out to Jeremy, who reminded us of today’s holiday. You can also send in a Coffee Break idea. Just click here. :D)


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
The Comet Is Coming- Summon the Fire
Gerry Rafferty- Baker Street
The Coasters- Yakety Yak
Morphine- Honey White
Beck- The New Pollution
St. Vincent- Digital Witness

Coffee Break: National Saxophone Day