LOU DONALDSON

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

Jay Ehrgott from Lakeland, FL wrote on April 14, 2022 at 8:49 PM

I just wanted to let you know I am transcribing the tune Blue Walk currently and I'm very interesting in working some of the riftfs through the 12 keys, really great tune and craftsmanship on the song, thanks so much.

Would you mind sharing your setup when recording that song, thanks.

Fabian from Granollers wrote on February 24, 2022 at 7:22 AM

Dear Lou, a very big hug. With love

daniêl nicholas from Wiesbaden wrote on February 12, 2022 at 12:51 PM

Good evening!
I will never forget the many times I heard you play in NYC and oversees as the decades flew by. Some of the most memorable nights of my life. Your alto has been crucially influential for many, including me. Hoping you are enjoying your very deserved semi-retirement and also that you find time to work on your book (which, considering how much you experienced will no doubt be very long and extremely interesting),
saluting you displaying the sign of the flatted fifth,
danyel

Min Su Byun from Seattle wrote on February 7, 2022 at 5:59 PM

I'm the biggest fan, your music makes me dance all the time. I wish I were older and liked jazz earlier in my life to have seen you live.

Paul Clements from BECKENHAM wrote on December 31, 2021 at 5:39 PM

Rock on man.....so in awe of your stuff......Happy New Year, the biz.

Peter Graves from Canberra Australia wrote on November 26, 2021 at 8:15 PM

My wife Jenny and I were entranced to asee and listen to Lou at NYC's Blue Note in September 2015. An outstanding and energetic performance that was the highlight of our two weeks in NYC.

It was our last night in NYC and it was such an excellent farewell.

I'm playing "Here t'is" as I type - to remind us. beautiful music from a beautiful person.

JL Walker from New York wrote on November 2, 2021 at 10:22 AM

Had the pleasure of meeting this Jazz giant and his Mrs. at 7th Avenue South several years ago. A memorable performance that included the late Tommy Turrentine.
Thank you Poppa Lou for giving the world happiness through your superb talent and contributions to the universe. of Jazz. Happy Birthday !

Gareth from London wrote on November 2, 2021 at 6:33 AM

Hi Poppa Lou…
Your art has given me joy, introspection, and inspiration over many years, thank you.
I wish you a groovy birthday and many more!

Gareth

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