Mike LeDonne

Biography

Mike LeDonne, born October 26, 1956, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was immersed in music from an early age thanks to his parents' music store and his father, a jazz guitarist. By age five, he began piano lessons, and by ten, he was performing locally, often booked by his father. After high school, LeDonne studied at the New England Conservatory, where he trained under Jaki Byard and John Mehegan, graduating in 1978[3][5].

LeDonne moved to New York City in 1979, joining the Widespread Depression Jazz Orchestra and quickly establishing himself in the jazz scene. He became the house pianist at Jimmy Ryan’s, collaborating with legends such as Roy Eldridge, Papa Jo Jones, and Vic Dickenson. His career flourished as he joined Benny Goodman’s Sextet and later Milt Jackson’s Quartet, where he served as musical director until Jackson’s passing in 1999. LeDonne has released over 20 albums as a leader, and his versatility as both pianist and Hammond organist is showcased in his acclaimed Groover Quartet, which held a long-running residency at Smoke Jazz Club in New York[2][3][4].

LeDonne’s musical style is rooted in hard bop and jazz, blending classical influences with soulful, bluesy organ work. He is celebrated for his technical mastery and expressive improvisation, earning praise from peers like Oscar Peterson. Beyond performance, LeDonne is an educator and advocate, notably founding Disability Pride Day in New York City. His legacy includes shaping modern jazz piano and organ playing, mentoring younger musicians, and championing inclusivity within the arts[3][2][5].

Fun Facts

• Oscar Peterson named Mike LeDonne as one of his favorite contemporary pianists[5].
• LeDonne founded Disability Pride Day in New York City, inspired by his daughter[2][3].
• He surprised the jazz world by switching from piano to Hammond organ in the late 1990s, leading to the formation of his Groover Quartet[4].
• LeDonne won the Downbeat Rising Star Poll in 2012 and was nominated for Best Keyboards by the Jazz Journalist Association[2][3].

Associated Acts

• Vincent Herring's The Story of Jazz Orchestra
• United Hammond Jazz Quartet
• The Groover Quartet
• Mike LeDonne's Big Band
• The Heavy Hitters

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jaki Byard - LeDonne studied piano with Byard at the New England Conservatory. (Conservatory studies) [1970s]
• John Mehegan - LeDonne took lessons for four years with Mehegan. (Private lessons) [Early 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Milt Jackson - LeDonne was pianist, composer, and later musical director for Jackson's Quartet. (Milt Jackson Quartet albums, tours) [1987–1999]
• Benny Goodman - Member of Goodman’s Sextet. (Live performances, tours) [1982–1983]
• Eric Alexander - Tenor saxophonist in LeDonne’s Groover Quartet. (Groover Quartet albums, Smoke Jazz Club residency) [2000s–present]
• Peter Bernstein - Guitarist in Groover Quartet. (Groover Quartet albums, Smoke Jazz Club residency) [2000s–present]
• Joe Farnsworth - Drummer in Groover Quartet. (Groover Quartet albums, Smoke Jazz Club residency) [2000s–present]
• Lou Donaldson - LeDonne played organ with Donaldson. (Live performances) [2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Juilliard School students - LeDonne served on faculty, mentoring young jazz musicians. (Jazz curriculum, workshops) [2002–2006]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. One for all (Echoes of tomorrow)
2. I'd Never Change a Thing About You (That Feelin')
3. JB (That's What's Up)
4. Blues For All (That's What's Up)
5. Silverdust (Heavy Hitters)
6. That's Whats Up (That's What's Up)
7. Shadows (That's What's Up)
8. Groundation (That's What's Up)
9. It's Magic (That's What's Up)
10. Mutation (Together)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz, #post-bop