I'm sure this is kind of random, but, whenever I think of Jarreau, the first thing that comes to my mind is that, "BerlinBerlin-Berrlinnnn" show open from that 2-LP live album from the '70s. It was apparent with one listen, he was gonna be a smooth and accessible jazz voice that would make music that could reach people who were normally confused and challenged by jazz. He certainly embraced his niche without considering "lite" a dirty word.
I particularly enjoyed the "David-Foster/Jay-Gradon period" of his Warners work, which tee'd him up for getting the "Moonlighting" TV theme gig, opening his work up to millions - just in time for his short run of Adult Contemporary hits. More importantly, it changed his profile to the level that, he was no longer "the guy that did these songs", but rather, "the guy who does songs like these": a seemingly minor rhetorical distinction, but one which doesn't simply define his long career by his more well-known songs.
And considering how much time he spent on the road, I certainly hope it was more out of love than neccessity.
The heavenly choir just got a fresh injection of groove.