Soulful Master of the Alto Saxophone Lou Donaldson Dies at 98

Lou Donaldson, the venerable alto saxophonist renowned for his soulful and gritty sound, passed away at the age of 98 . His career spanned nearly seven decades and was marked by significant contributions to the evolution of jazz genres such as hard bop and soul jazz. Donaldson's unique musical style combined elements of blues and gospel, establishing him as a pivotal figure in shaping the sound of jazz during the mid-20th century . His enduring influence is evidenced through his popular tracks like "Alligator Bogaloo" and "Midnight Creeper," which resonated with audiences during the vibrant music scene of the 1960s.

A native of Badin, North Carolina and a World War II veteran, Donaldson was part of the bop scene that emerged after the war and early in his career recorded with Monk, Milt Jackson and others. Donaldson also helped launch the career of Clifford Brown, the gifted trumpeter who was just 25 when he was killed in a 1956 road accident. Donaldson also was on hand for some of pianist Horace Silver’s earliest sessions.

Over more than half a century, he would blend soul, blues and pop and achieve some mainstream recognition with his 1967 cover of one of the biggest hits of the time, “Ode to Billy Joe,” featuring a young Benson on guitar. His notable albums included “Alligator Bogaloo,” “Lou Donaldson at His Best” and “Wailing With Lou.” Donaldson would open his shows with a cool, jazzy jam from 1958, “Blues Walk.”

After working on a Parker-style album with vibes player Milt Jackson he went on to make records of his own for the Blue Note label that offered early breaks to musicians who became big names in jazz, including Donald Byrd and Horace Silver.

Tours to Europe followed and Donaldson criss-crossed the United States with his bands. He performed in New York until he was well into his 80s, retiring in 2018.

Throughout his illustrious career, Donaldson collaborated with numerous jazz legends including Thelonious Monk and Milt Jackson. His ability to blend various musical influences allowed him to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success . Recognized as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2013, Donaldson's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians who seek to capture his distinctive sound. The loss of Lou Donaldson marks not only the end of an era but also a profound absence in the world of jazz music.

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Sarah H

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