119 entries.
Andrew Fox
from
Manassas
wrote on April 16, 2023
at
11:27 AM
Dear Lou,
I'm currently 58, and I've been a fan since my early twenties, when I first discovered BLUES WALK and shared it with my friends; they also became great fans. I had the pleasure of seeing you at a Jazz Fest appearance in the 1990s, and I enjoyed hearing your stories as much as listening to your playing. You are a funny guy, in addition to being an amazing musician!
You remain one of my great favorites and are my go-to guy for listening to on long drives. Your music is timeless and will never, ever go out of style. I am delighted you've enjoyed such a long life; I wish many more of your jazz contemporaries could have lived and remained active as long as you have. God bless you! And thank you for all the pleasure you've provided for me over the years.
Ianni Stammwitz
from
Kaiserslautern
wrote on March 3, 2023
at
9:16 PM
Dear Lou Donaldson,
"Your magic music fills my heart with great delights,
let's it fly to the greatest heights,
to the stars that shine so bright.
Jazz is my love you did ignite."
- From the bottom of my heart
I am a 24 years old college student from germany and with this letter I want to express the infinite love I feel for you and your wonderful music.
I would like to thank you for all the countless hours filled with pure happiness, every minute of deepest affection, every second of true felicity, all the tears of joy and all the wonderful memories that are connected to your beautiful music.
I am endlessly grateful for every single time you and your saxophone put a big smile on my face.
Ever since the first bits of your magic sound wrapped my ears in a smooth pillow of heartfelt warmth and sincere tenderness, my yearning mind wandered from dream to dream, reaching enchanted worlds and new horizons never imagined before.
You made me pick up the Saxophone as a child and you manage to always put a smile on my face when I am feeling a bit down. Ever since I've heard your delightful music for the first time, I knew I would have found something to hold on for the rest of my life. You sparked the dream in me to one day study the Saxophone in college.
To conclude this letter I would like to tell you that encountering you and your wonderful music was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Thank you so infinitely much for everything and I wish you all the best,
Ianni
Berj Hatjian
from
Beirut
wrote on February 14, 2023
at
10:52 AM
It was a true pleasure & an honour to have watched the Jazz-Giant LD. play at the North Sea Jazz Festival in either 1994 or 95.
His show was a BIG BANG at the Festival. He played flowfully & flawlessly.
There with my school friend "Najib" at the festival; we cordially took photos with the BIG Jazz MAMMOTH "The ONE & ONLY L.D."
With appreciation & respect from Beirut-Lebanon!
This is how far & diverse ur fan club is!
Blow more life into our souls.
Ruud Gosse
from
Breukelemn The Netherlands
wrote on February 4, 2023
at
3:47 AM
Hi Lou,
During the past 30 years, but mainly in the period 1994-2001, I visited many jazz concerts in the Netherlands and in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with my analog photo camera. Recently I picked up my hobby again, with digital camera now.
I digitized my old negatives and published them with the new pictures on the internet: www.jazzfotos.nl. There are now more than 1.000!
It also contains photos of you that I took during your performance at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague July 13th 1996.
(After clicking on your name, scroll down and you will see the pictures. When you click on “All” you will see all the pictures. The best result you get on the PC or Mac.
Are you interested in the (high resolution) files? Please let me know and I will send it to you free of charge via We Transfer.
Ruud Gosse, Breukelen - NL
Jordan Hutcherson
from
Myrtle Beach, SC
wrote on January 21, 2023
at
1:40 PM
Dear Lou Donaldson,
You've been an inspiration for me since I started playing Alto sax in 2018. Your solo on Night Train was the first that I ever picked out by ear! It's still a part of me and I'm very thankful for your music! Have a great year!
Best wishes from a freshman college student,
Jordan Hutcherson
Danyel
from
Wiesbaden, Germany
wrote on December 29, 2022
at
10:02 AM
Sir! Happy holidays and a great new year, strutting on your own Boulevard!
Yours sincerely,
Danyel nicholas (one of legions of reed men forever in awe of your alto work)
Nareg Boghosian
from
Alexandria, Virginia
wrote on November 26, 2022
at
11:56 PM
I am a 19 year old guitarist studying jazz at George Mason University in the VA/ DC. I’ve been having fun learning your solos, even the earlier ones from A Night At Birdland. Thanks for your contribution to this music.
-Nareg Boghosian
Elizabeth Slater
from
Toulouse, France
wrote on November 6, 2022
at
5:26 AM
Bon Anniversaire, Sweet Poppa Lou!
John Salvas
from
Oldsmar
wrote on November 1, 2022
at
5:28 PM
Happy Birthday, Sweet Poppa Lou!
Elizabeth Slater
from
Claremont, NH
wrote on October 3, 2022
at
12:29 PM
Dear Mr. Donaldson,
I have been thinking of writing to you since the Newport Jazz Festival July 28-30. Please accept my apologies for not writing sooner. It was amazing show. Christen McBride reverently carries the torch and the tradition of Newport Jazz onward in tribute to Mr. George Wein, who will be much missed. My first Newport Jazz festival was 1981. I was 15 years old, and I was huge Dave Brubeck fan. I saw him play that day, along with Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. Looking back, I can’t express how thankful I was to see these performers or how sad I am to have not seen you play in 2015. This morning, as I was checking the Jazz at Lincoln Center website and Lo and Behold- there you were! A celebration up at Dizzy’s Club in honor of your 96th birthday and a tribute to of all the incredible music you have given us over the years! Congratulations, Mr. Donaldson! Never doubt that we are still listening to “Sweet Poppa Lou” now and always.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
Scott Foust
from
Amherst
wrote on September 9, 2022
at
1:10 AM
Hello Mr Donaldson,
I'm only 65 and have been a musician most of my life. Most of the music I have done is of the New Music variety. About 15 years ago, I got really into 50s Jazz, and, of course, your music. I just saw that you were still alive and wanted to say thanks for all the great music. My favorite records are probably Blues Walk, Here 'Tis, and Jimmy Smith + LD. I hope you are doing well. I salute you!
Scott
John Salvas
from
Oldsmar
wrote on September 7, 2022
at
10:52 PM
Mr. Donaldson, I am new to the world of Jazz. It only took me 50 years to find this wonderful style of music. I recently purchased a copy of your album "Blues Walk" and it instantly became one of my favorites. "Blues Walk" is the first album that comes to mind when I am discussing Jazz with others. Thank you for this gift. I look forward to exploring your other recordings. Could you tell me which album of yours you would suggest I listen to next? I would consider it an honor to follow your suggestion. Take care.
Colin Thorn
from
Varese, Italy
wrote on August 9, 2022
at
5:30 PM
Thank you Lou for your wonderful, joyful playing. You are truly a blessed musician. I first heard you nearly 40 years ago, when I was still practically a kid, on a Blue Note anniversary compilation, a track called Peepin'. Absolutely beautiful and as funky as anything I've ever heard before or since. Still digging youe considerable output in 2022.
John B
from
Greensboro, NC
wrote on July 27, 2022
at
11:36 AM
Hi Lou! Hope you're well. Writing from Greensboro, home of Lou's old friend Charlie Morrison and birthplace of Dannie Richmond and Tal Farlow. My mother-in-law lives in Norwood, NC right near Baden. I have been to Baden many times. Glad to see they're giving you the recognition you deserve. Would Lou sign some album covers if I sent them? Would love to add them to my wall. John
Nick
from
Pineville, La.
wrote on July 22, 2022
at
7:27 PM
Mr. Donaldson, I’m so thrilled that you may read my note. I’m pretty new to jazz and I want you to know that from the first time I heard you on Mr. Shiny-A-Ling I was captured by your brilliance. The tone of your music and sax are instantly recognizable to me. I’m so happy that your enjoying life to its fullest. God Bless you and keep up sir.
Elizabeth Slater
from
Claremont
wrote on July 3, 2022
at
2:54 PM
Dear Mr. Donaldson,
As I sit on my porch this summer evening, listening to you play “Gravy Train, Alternative Take” from your 1960 recording, I am still, and always, so grateful to hear you play your sax. All of life’s joys and sorrows are expressed in each breath and every note. You have touched so many people with your music. Never doubt that we are still listening!
Mr. Donaldson, thank you so much. This troubled world is more beautiful because of you and your saxophone. Sending my sincerest thanks and warmest wishes of peace, live, health and happiness,
Elizabeth Slater
KMM
from
Cary NC
wrote on June 30, 2022
at
10:02 AM
Hello Mr. Donaldson,
Just letting you know that I really dig your music, and to say thanks for creating great art. I'm not a musician, just a listener, but I love listening! My favorites of yours are Lou Takes Off and Here 'Tis. And the Night at Birdland volumes of course; that band was one to be reckoned with... Thanks again.
William Robertson
from
White Rock, NM
wrote on June 6, 2022
at
7:49 AM
Dear Lou,
I just wanted to join the chorus and tell you how much your music has meant to me. I have no words! Your playing is an inspiration and filled with passion. Much love to you and yours!
William
michael grau
from
Sheffield Lake
wrote on May 10, 2022
at
6:53 PM
I met Lou at the Sacred Mushroom coffee house in Columbus Ohio when he visited with his friend Warren Stephens, guitarist. This was in the early 1960's. I was a co-operator of the shop...me - a late teen white boy! He was generous with his time as was John Patton his organist. They invited me and my future wife to see them play in a club in nearby Dayton. The performance is a cherished memory. God bless Lou!!!!!!!!!!!! - Michael Grau
RASTAOSAX
from
PARIS
wrote on April 15, 2022
at
10:57 AM
CALLIN' ALL CATS...🎷
THE RABBIT
CANNONBALL
JOE HENDERSON
SONNY FORTUNE
GROVER jr
HANK CRAWFORD
DAVE SANBORN
STAN TURRENTINE
MACEO PARKER .....
and WE all take off our pork-pie Hats for great salutations to our SOUL BROTHER
Mr LOU "KING SCORPION" DONALDSON
💚💛❤🖤💙
With LOVE
RASTAOSAX