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Lou Donaldson

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Lou Donaldson was an American jazz saxophonist, born in Badin, North Carolina, in 1926 and died in 2024. He was known for his soulful, bluesy alto playing, although in his younger years he was strongly influenced by Charlie Parker. In the Second World War he served in the navy in Chicago, where he came into contact with bebop. In 1952 he made his first jazz recordings with Milt Jackson and Thelonious Monk. In 1954 he played in Art Blakey's quintet, with Horace Silver and Clifford Brown, at the recordings at Birdland for the live album A Night at Birdland.

Music and breakthrough

Donaldson recorded many albums for Blue Note, such as Blues Walk and Gravy Train. As a bandleader he gave young musicians such as Grant Green and Lonnie Smith a first chance. In 1967 he returned to Blue Note with a new band, with the guitarist George Benson and the organist Lonnie Smith. The 1967 album Alligator Bogaloo opened with a piece that arose from a spontaneous improvisation and became a signature tune of his. The album fitted soul jazz.

Influence

He was regarded as a pioneer of both hard bop and soul jazz. His recordings have often been sampled. In 2012 he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and named an NEA Jazz Master. In this way he linked bebop with the danceable jazz of the 1960s.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Alligator Bogaloo and notice the groove of the organ and drums with the bluesy alto saxophone sound above it. Can you hear how the rhythm keeps going while the soloists change?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: ArtistsSoul jazz