my most sincere wishes for a very happy birthday Lou Donaldson king of the alto saxophone master of jazz and swing and blues.
I’ve been listening to you since I first heard about you when I was a teenager and have enjoyed love and learn from many of your recordings and have seen you live so many times I can’t camp at the best was probably the first one when I introduced myself and you invited me to sit in and I never forget that evening and I’m grateful that you never forget me because you certainly made one of my heroes and mentors and influences.
Your music is true heart and soul and swings like mad and you’ve never compromised because everything you’ve done and attend a stamp of brilliant originality pure straightahead swinging jazz without the fluff.
You played with every giant of jazz there is to name always with the original sound all of your own which is one of the sweetest and most wonderful alto sounds that I’ve ever heard. It’s a great pleasure to stay in touch with you and to hear some of your reminiscences and to discuss some of the great musicians you encountered in your long and legendary career.
And listen to your records endlessly and I have most of them are my favorite ones or some of my favorite ones include The Time is Right and Fried Buzzard but all of your blue note records are incredible classics that have stayed as fresh and exciting to check out as much as when they were recorded.
Lou you are truly one of the greatest musicians and greatest alto saxophonists of all time. You have stayed young at heart and clear of mind.
Aside from your musical mastery you are also a shining example of how to live right and stay healthy.
I got a surprise phone call from a mutual friend, you know the one, that genius pianist from Pittsburgh who had a big hit record on “Poinciana “. He sends his best wishes to you Lou. What more can I say except we love you Sweet Papa Lou, and thank you for giving the listeners and fans so much great music that you gave the world. Is something that will last forever.