LOU DONALDSON
Genres: Hard Bop, Soul Jazz • United States

Lou Donaldson (November 1, 1926 – November 9, 2024) was an American jazz alto saxophonist. He was best known for his soulful, bluesy approach to playing the alto saxophone, although in his formative years he was heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, as were many during the bebop era. He was also known for being sampled many times in Pot Belly, his cover of Ode to Billie Joe, and his cover of It's Your Thing.    Donaldson was born in Badin, North Carolina on November 1, 1926. He attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro in the early 1940s. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was trained at the Great Lakes bases in Chicago where he was introduced to bop music in the lively club scene. At the war's conclusion, he returned to Greensboro, where he worked club dates with the Rhythm Vets, a read more...