Hi Lou,
Your Blues Walk album was one of my earliest influences on the saxophone. I still consider it one of the greatest alto recordings. I can still hear your solo in my mind to “Move”, tremendous! I had the pleasure of gigging with Peck Morrison (from the Blues Walk album) in the late 70s and early 80s. I miss him, he was a sweetheart. Anyway, Happy Birthday Lou, you’re one of the greats on alto and I wish you nothing but health and happiness.
Joe C.

Papa Lou I just listened to Natural Soul by you in honor of your birthday.

I have listened to you since 1962 when I was stationed in USAF Misawa Japan Happy Birthday

Dear Mr. Donaldson, I will always remember when you came out to hear me perform, with my quintet, at the Village Vanguard circa summer of 1998. It was a humbling experience for me and the cats in the band! Thank you for your continued influence and inspiration! You are a continual blessing to the music community in NYC and the world. Happy Birthday with wishes for even more longevity.
Love & Gratitude,
Leroy Jones

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.

Happy Birthday Master Louis A. Donaldson. Have been listening to your work for 67 of my 79 years. Your sound is your own, great. All the best.

I wish you a wonderful birthday together with family, relatives, friends and all the people you love. And of course with lots of music! I still enjoy your music a lot and wish you a very blessed and fun birthday!
Warm regards, Nico.

Hey Lou,glad to see that you are still kicking! I'm listening to " Blues Walk " now. I used to see you walking around Manhattan.Usually on 5th avenue. Last time was at " Jewel's " on Broad street in Philly. I wasn't surprised that you still looked twenty five years younger. Thanks for all the great music!! I'm going to try and make that tribute to you in November. Be well!

Dear Mr. Donaldson,

Thank you for your contribution to music as a whole, thank you for your contribution to the Jazz genre. The first Lou Donaldson record I heard was a 45 of my grandfather’s collection. It was your rendition of “Say It Loud”. I found out shortly after that it was a cover of James Brown. I would find more of your recordings and so would many of the Golden Era of Hip Hop’s top producers. Records like “Pot Belly” and “Ode to Billy Joe” would become staples for other generations to revere. “Bye Bye Blackbird” is another one of my favorites. Also thank you for having this forum so that aficionados can let you know personally how you have touched their souls with your musical gifts. Salute Legend!

Listening to Art Blakey’s A Night at Birdland this evening. Your playing is so outstanding. Thanks for the wonderful music!