• “Lou Donaldson is definitely considered one of the greatest alto sax players on the scene today and he has contributed more to the art of playing alto than about anyone around…”
    Stanley News & Press, September 1993

    Paul Jeffrey, Tenor Saxophonist
  • ” He’s listened to just about everyone, and not only alto players. With this knowledge of the entire jazz language,
    Lou is definitely an individual voice.”

    Horace Parlan
  •  “The octogenarian virtuoso has lost little to the passing decades.”

    The Chicago Tribune
  • “He remains the leading exponent of this soul-jazz approach. Yet even at its bluesiest, his playing remains informed by bebop.”

    The New York Times
  • “My first impulse is always to describe Lou Donaldson as the greatest alto saxophonist in the world.”
    The New York Sun, January 2007

    Will Friedwald

NO FUSION — NO CONFUSION

JUST STRAIGHT AHEAD JAZZ, BEBOP & BLUES

Lou Donaldson in Concert at Kennedy Center 2014-for slider

LOU’S SIGNATURE TUNE

Lou's Signature Tune: Blues Walk

Lou’s Signature Tune: Blues Walk

BEBOP MASTER PLAYS WEE

BEBOP MASTER PLAYS CHEROKEE

LOU PLAYS ALL TIME HIT ALLIGATOR BOOGALOO

SPECIAL APPEARANCES

[gigpress_shows]

Lou & Charlie Parker 1953 or 1954 at Paradise on 110th Street & 8th Avenue in Harlem (Credit: Photographer Unknown)
(Credit: Photographer Unknown)


HONORS TO LOU

Lou Inducted Into South Florida Hall of Fame

July 28, 2019

THE SUNSHINE JAZZ ORGANIZATION, INC.
Miami, FL USA
https://www.sunshinejazz.org/default.html

SOUTH FLORIDA HALL OF FAME
Founder, Legendary First Lady of Jazz Alice Day

 

Lou Voted Best Alto Sax Player in NYC

2015 FANS DECISION JAZZ AWARDS
Hot House Magazine and the Metropolitan Room

Vote 

LOU DONALDSON

BEST ALTO SAXOPHONE PLAYER
September 16, 2015

Lou Receives NEA Jazz Master Award

Lou With Fellow NEA Jazz Masters at BMI Award Luncheon in New York City

Lou With Fellow NEA Jazz Masters at BMI Award Luncheon in New York City

NEA Jazz Masters: Tribute to Lou

Load More

 

The Family of Sweet Poppa Lou Donaldson sadly confirms his death on November 9, 2024. 
A private service was held on November 15, 2024.

Thank you for your support of Lou and his music throughout his career. 
Because of you, his legendary contributions to Jazz will live on forever.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY 98th BIRTHDAY
SWEET POPPA LOU!
November 1, 1926

and
Congratulations on Induction into the
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
ERTEGUN JAZZ HALL OF FAME!

at
DIZZY'S NYC
Sold Out Birthday & Induction Celebration
on
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024!!!

Sincere Thanks to All Who Attended
to Honor Sweet Poppa Lou and
Make the Celebration a Great Success!

Lou Donaldson enjoys applause at his 97th Birthday Celebration at Dizzy's NYC 2023.
Credit: Chris Drukker Photography

Still the quintessential entertainer even though he is no longer blowing his sax, Lou Donaldson gives the classic roasts his fans love to hear at his 96th Birthday Celebration in November at Dizzy's NYC in 2022 as Jerry Weldon, Champian Fulton & Akiko Tsuruga enjoy! Join the fun for his 98th Birthday Celebration on Wednesday, October 30 at Dizzy's NYC 2024!
Credit: Chris Drukker Photography

Also read about LOU DONALDSON BOULEVARD named in Lou's honor!