American saxophonist Lou Donaldson, one of the last musicians from the bebop jazz scene of the 1950s, passed away at the age of 98.
His death on Saturday was confirmed by family members, who stated that “his legendary contribution to jazz will live on forever.”
Donaldson’s most famous tracks include “Blues Walk” (1958) and “Alligator Bogaloo” (1967), and he recorded with prominent artists like pianist Thelonious Monk, drummer Art Blakey, and organist Jimmy Smith.
He earned the nickname “Sweet Poppa Lou” for his upbeat, funky saxophone style.
Songs such as his rendition of “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky (From Now On)” remain staples in jazz clubs worldwide.
Born on 1 November 1926, Donaldson learned the clarinet as a child in Badin, North Carolina. He later played the saxophone in a US Navy band during the 1940s before moving to New York City in 1950, where he continued performing into his eighties.
He was married to his wife, Maker, for 56 years until her passing in 2006. The couple had two daughters.
Source: CNA
