Molly Duncan
Molly Duncan
@molly-duncan
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  Joined March 10, 2026
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Malcolm "Molly" Duncan (24 August 1945 – 8 October 2019) was a celebrated Scottish Tenor Saxophonist and founder member of the Average White Band. He is best known for performing the iconic, world-famous saxophone solo on the band's 1974 US number-one hit, "Pick Up the Pieces".






Alongside alto saxophonist Roger Ball, whom he met at the Dundee Art College, Duncan formed the core horn section for AWB. Together, they were widely known as the "Dundee Horns" and were responsible for the band’s tight, distinctive brass sound.


AWB achieved massive international success in the 1970s. Their blend of American soul and jazz-funk was so authentic that many listeners were shocked to discover the band members were white musicians from Scotland.


Following AWB's dissolution in 1982, Duncan became a highly sought-after studio musician. He recorded and toured with major global acts, including Dire Straits (playing on the iconic Brothers in Arms album), Tom Petty, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Marvin Gaye, and Chaka Khan.


Duncan’s horn lines and solos have been heavily sampled by generation-defining hip-hop and R&B artists, including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, TLC, A Tribe Called Quest, and Nas.


Molly Duncan passed away from cancer in Bocholt, Germany, at the age of 74








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Average White Band - I Heard it Through The Grapevine (1977).


Category: Music
Duration: 00:09:00
Description:
Montreux 1977

Keyboards & Sax
Roger Ball

Bas & Vocal
Alan Gorrie

Guitar & Vocal
Onnie mcIntire

Drum & percussion
Steve Ferrone

tenor & Sax
Molly Duncan

Guitar & Vocals
Hamish Stuart

Congas
Sammy Figueroa

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