The Greatest Saxophone Riff of All Time: A Quest for the Unforgettable

05-01 2026

Image Few instruments possess the soulful, voice-like quality of the saxophone. In popular music, a well-placed saxophone riff or solo can transcend a song, elevating it from great to iconic. The debate over the single greatest saxophone riff is a delightful and subjective one, with contenders spanning genres and eras. Drawing from a list of legendary performances—and considering their cultural impact—we can explore what might earn that ultimate title.

The Contenders: A Pantheon of Greats

Each of the following solos represents a masterclass in phrasing, tone, and emotional delivery.

  1. “Just the Two of Us” (Bill Withers) – Grover Washington, Jr. More than a solo, this is the song’s defining heartbeat. Grover Washington, Jr.’s smooth, melodic playing doesn’t just complement the track; it is the central instrumental hook. Its warm, comforting tone perfectly embodies the song’s theme of intimate partnership, making it one of the most recognizable and beloved sax phrases in history.

  2. “Young Americans” (David Bowie) – David Sanborn David Sanborn’s alto sax on this track is all about raw, frenetic energy. It’s a blast of soul-strained-through-art-rock, dripping with passion and a slightly unhinged brilliance that mirrors Bowie’s own exploration of American music. It’s less a smooth riff and more an explosive declaration.

  3. The Steely Dan Trinity: “Aja,” “Deacon Blues,” and “Doctor Wu” The jazz-rock perfectionists Steely Dan famously hired the best session players to realize their complex visions. The results are three distinct masterpieces:

    • “Aja” (Wayne Shorter): A soaring, abstract, and beautifully complex solo from jazz sax titan Wayne Shorter. It’s a labyrinthine journey that feels both composed and utterly spontaneous.
    • “Deacon Blues” (Pete Christlieb): Christlieb’s tenor sax solo is the sound of the song’s protagonist—world-weary, aspirational, and deeply melancholic. It’s a narrative within a narrative, full of bluesy nuance and flawless technique.
    • “Doctor Wu” (Phil Woods): Phil Woods’ alto solo is a burst of poignant, lyrical beauty. In under thirty seconds, it delivers a devastating emotional punch that is both sweet and sorrowful, perfectly capturing the song’s cryptic ache.

  4. “Just the Way You Are” (Billy Joel) – Phil Woods Ironically, Phil Woods initially thought this ballad was "a little boring." His solution was to inject a solo of such aching, romantic sincerity that it became the song’s emotional core. It is a perfect example of a solo elevating a song into a timeless standard.

And the Winner Is...

While any of these could reasonably be crowned champion based on personal taste, one stands out for its undeniable fusion of cultural ubiquity, melodic perfection, and emotional resonance: Grover Washington, Jr.’s performance on “Just the Two of Us.”

Why it claims the top spot:

  • The Ultimate Hook: It transcends the role of a “solo” to become the song’s central, hummable motif. The riff is inseparable from the song itself.
  • Timeless Accessibility: It is sophisticated yet immediately welcoming, appealing to jazz purists, R&B lovers, and pop listeners alike. Its smoothness never slides into saccharine; it remains cool and heartfelt.
  • Influence and Pervasiveness: It is arguably the foundational blueprint for the “smooth jazz” saxophone sound of the 80s and beyond. Its DNA can be heard in everything from late-night TV themes to countless wedding playlists. It is quite simply the sound people imagine when they think of a soulful tenor sax.

The Verdict: A Matter of Feeling

The “best” saxophone riff ultimately depends on what one values most. Is it the jazz complexity of Wayne Shorter on “Aja”? The raw emotion of David Sanborn on “Young Americans”? The narrative perfection of Pete Christlieb on “Deacon Blues”?

However, if we define “best” as the riff that is most iconic, most melodically indelible, and most deeply woven into the fabric of popular culture, Grover Washington, Jr.’s work on “Just the Two of Us” earns the distinction. It is a moment where the saxophone doesn’t just speak—it sings the song’s entire truth. It remains the gold standard, proving that sometimes, the greatest musical statement is the one that feels like an old friend from the very first note.

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