Harold Battiste, Jr., saxophonist, arranger, producer, label owner, educator and author, died June 19 after a lengthy illness. He was 83.

“Bat” was key in the success of Sam Cooke, Dr. John, Sonny and Cher and many others. As a producer or arranger, Battiste was involved in several national hits, including Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me,” Barbara George’s “I Know,” Lee Dorsey’s “Ya ...