Remembering Lou Donaldson
November 1, 1926 – November 9, 2024
A tribute to the bluesy and swinging alto-saxophonist
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Alto-saxophonist Lou Donaldson passed away on Nov. 9, 2024 at the age of 98.
He was born on Nov. 1, 1926 in Badin, North Carolina.
After learning the alto and clarinet and attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, he served in the U.S. Navy during 1945-46.
After his discharge, Donaldson worked in Greensboro with the Rhythm Vets, recording the soundtrack to the movie short Pitch A Boogie Woogie in 1948.
He moved to New York City in 1949, made his official recording debut with tenor-saxophonist Charlie Singleton’s r&bish band during 1950-52, and was signed to Blue Note by Alfred Lion, beginning a long-time association with the label.
Donaldson recorded in 1952 with Milt Jackson and Thelonious Monk and made his first sessions as a leader.
The altoist was influenced by Charlie Parker but also added his bluesy ideas and sound, creating his own musical identity.
He brought trumpeter Clifford Brown and (around 1960) guitarist Grant Green to Lion’s attention, resulting in the two greats also recording for Blue Note.
Donaldson recorded with Brown a few times including an extensive set in 1954 with Horace Silver, Curly Russell, and Art Blakey that was performed live at Birdland.
Lou Donaldson generally recorded in the 1950s in quartets and quintets that included a pianist but after 1961 he often utilized organists including Dr. Lonnie Smith.
While he recorded for the Argo and Cadet labels during 1963-66, he returned to Blue Note in 1967, had a surprise hit with “Alligator Boogaloo,” and mostly made somewhat commercial funky jazz sessions for a few years.
In the 1980s Lou Donaldson returned to straight ahead jazz and stayed active until his retirement in 2018, still playing in his timeless style.
Outspoken and often hilarious in his comments, Donaldson always stood up for straight ahead jazz (despite his funky recordings) and was a joy to have around.
From 2011, Lou Donaldson (at 84) is joined on “Cherokee” by guitarist Randy Johnston, organist Akiko Tsuruga, and drummer Fukushi Tainaka.
-Scott Yanow
