Biography
Lou Donaldson, born November 1, 1926 in Badin, North Carolina, was a pioneering American jazz alto saxophonist renowned for his soulful, blues-infused sound. Growing up in a musical family, Donaldson began with clarinet before switching to alto saxophone after hearing Charlie Parker perform, an experience that profoundly influenced his early style. After serving in the Navy and performing in the Great Lakes Navy Band, he attended North Carolina A&T University, where he completed a thesis on the transition from swing to bebop.
Donaldson moved to New York in 1950, quickly establishing himself in the vibrant jazz scene. He made his first recordings with the Charlie Singleton Orchestra and soon became a sought-after sideman, working with jazz luminaries such as Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, Clifford Brown, Horace Silver, and Art Blakey. His work with Art Blakey’s Quintet on the 'A Night at Birdland' sessions in 1954 is considered a cornerstone of hard bop. In the 1960s, Donaldson helped define the soul jazz genre, notably through his collaborations with organist Jimmy Smith and his own classic albums for Blue Note Records, including the hit 'Alligator Bogaloo.'
Donaldson’s legacy is marked by his ability to bridge bebop, hard bop, and soul jazz, influencing the direction of jazz for decades. His distinctive tone, groove-oriented compositions, and mentorship of younger musicians left an indelible mark on the genre. He remained active as a performer and recording artist well into the 21st century, earning numerous honors and cementing his status as a jazz legend.
Fun Facts
- Donaldson’s mother was a music teacher who initially tried to teach him piano, but he switched to clarinet after memorizing her lessons by ear.
- He wrote a thesis on 'The Change from Swing to Bebop' for his college degree, which became required reading for music majors at North Carolina A&T University.
- The hit song 'Alligator Bogaloo' was improvised in the studio as a filler track but became one of his most popular recordings.
- Donaldson was affectionately known as 'Sweet Papa Lou' for his warm personality and showmanship.
Associated Acts
- The Lou Donaldson Quartet - alto saxophone, eponymous, original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Charlie Parker - Major stylistic influence; inspired Donaldson to switch from clarinet to alto saxophone and pursue bebop. (Influence evident throughout Donaldson's early Blue Note recordings.) [1940s–1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Art Blakey - Bandmate in Art Blakey’s Quintet; recorded seminal hard bop albums. (A Night at Birdland (1954)) [Early 1950s]
- Jimmy Smith - Frequent collaborator; Donaldson adopted Smith’s organ trio format and groove-based style. (A Date with Jimmy Smith Vol. 1 & 2, The Sermon!, Cool Blues, Rockin’ the Boat) [Late 1950s–1960s]
- Thelonious Monk - Recorded together early in Donaldson’s career. (Sessions for Blue Note (1952)) [Early 1950s]
- Clifford Brown - Recorded together on early hard bop sessions. (Lou Donaldson/Clifford Brown Quintet sessions (1953)) [Early 1950s]
- Milt Jackson - Early recording partner; played together in the Milt Jackson Quartet. (Blue Note sessions (1952)) [Early 1950s]
- Lonnie Smith - Organist in Donaldson’s classic 1960s bands. (Alligator Bogaloo (1967)) [1960s]
- George Benson - Guitarist on key Donaldson recordings. (Alligator Bogaloo (1967)) [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Grant Green - Donaldson brought Green to Blue Note and featured him in his bands, helping launch Green’s career. (Collaborations on Blue Note sessions) [1960s]
- John Patton - Organist who developed his style in Donaldson’s bands. (Blue Note recordings with Donaldson) [1960s]
- Leon Spencer - Organist who played in Donaldson’s bands and was influenced by his soul jazz approach. (Blue Note recordings) [1970s]
- Akiko Tsuruga - Contemporary organist mentored by Donaldson. (Live performances and recordings) [2000s–2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Blues Walk | 1958 | Album |
| Everything I Play Is Funky | 1995-01-01 | Album |
| Light-Foot | 1959-08-05 | Album |
| Wailing With Lou | 1957-01-01 | Album |
| Quartet / Quintet / Sextet | 1957-05-24 | Album |
| Alligator Bogaloo | 1967 | Album |
| Hot Dog | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| LD+3 | 1959-10-01 | Album |
| Gravy Train | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Gravy Train | 1961 | Album |
| Say It Loud | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| Mr. Shing-A-Ling | 1967-10-27 | Album |
| The Natural Soul | 2003-01-01 | Album |
| Midnight Creeper | 1968-10-01 | Album |
| The Complete Blue Note Lou Donaldson Sessions 1957-60 | 2012-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Autumn Nocturne (Blues Walk)
- Over The Rainbow (Everything I Play Is Funky)
- Blues Walk (Blues Walk)
- Green Eyes (Light-Foot)
- Play Ray (Blues Walk)
- Old Folks (Wailing With Lou)
- Lou's Blues (Quartet / Quintet / Sextet)
- There Is No Greater Love (Wailing With Lou)
- Alligator Bogaloo (Alligator Bogaloo)
- Jump Up (LD+3)
External Links
Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz, #soul-jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
lou donaldson has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | 20:58 | over the rainbow. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | 07:13 | The Wheeler Dealerfrom Blowing In The Wind | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Nov 19, 2025 | 18:06 | movefrom blues walk | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 8, 2025 | 17:38 | softly as in a morning sunrisefrom sunny side up | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 18:27 | movefrom blues walk | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón |