Dear Lou,

Congratulations on your upcoming birthday! I just wanted to let you know your album "The Natural Soul" has become my go-to music to listen to while writing and editing my novels. When I wear out "Natural Soul" I listen instead to some of your live albums. Thanks for aiding and abetting my creativity! I've been a listener for the past thirty-five years.

All my best,
Andy Fox

Hi Immense Lou,
we met in Italy in Bologna, (at the "Chet Baker") and the next day at the Teatro in Modena. for two extraordinary concerts with Randy Johnston and Fukushi Tainaka.
At Chet Baker you had the patience to sign for me about twenty of your albums (CDs) AHAHAH!
You are great.
If,pre in my heart and in my ears!
Many dear Happy Birthday wishes!
Giorgio Lorenzoni
(Bologna-Italy)

Mr. Donaldson,

Thank you for all the great music. I was born in 1996 in an Ohio suburb, some thirty years after the releases of Midnight Creeper, Alligator Boogaloo, Hot Dog, and the like. I only began listening to soul jazz in the past few years but your music is my favorite by far. I listen to hours of your stuff every week. I feel very fortunate to be able to give you your flowers, metaphorically and virtually, through this page. As you enjoy your much deserved retirement, I wish you good health and happiness.

Brady Horine

Hello Lou..I enjoyef the two weeks we did in Spain furing my semester break at Morgan State University. Dven though I was your guitarist, i enjoyed drving us all over.Bith you and Lonnie shared info aboit some never publicized. That convinced me copying was a waste of time. Thanks.

Hey Lou,

I hope you’re doing well! I’m currently transcribing your solo on the song I don’t get around much anymore, from your album with Milt Jackson. I just wanted to tell you that you are a huge inspiration for me and I love listening to your recordings.

Thanks for all you’ve done,
Eric Gronneberg

Dear Lou,
Happy Birthday! I hope you are doing well. Every year on your birthday, my wife and I play through all your records we have, which is 22. Thanks for all the great music over the years. We just finished listening to Good Gracious. hot Dog is on now. Gravy Train to follow.

Scott

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

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

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)

Bon Anniversaire, Sweet Poppa Lou!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Dear Lou, a very big hug. With love

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.

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.

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

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!

Hey Lou! Was just thinking of you today and called, machine said your voicemail is full. Hope you're well and hope to talk to you soon. - Jaleel

Mr Donaldson, I was listening to your sensual version of 'You're Welcome, Stop on By' and found myself here. Thank you very much for this superb version of one of my favourite songs. Happy Christmas from not-so -sunny Hackney in east London.

Lou Donaldson, you were literally one of my very first major inspirations and I can comfortably say that you have changed my life! I thank you endlessly for the immensely fine music that you've created and enlightened the world with. I've found my sound through yours and happily transcribed so much of your repertoire. Happy birthday, I hope it was the best one yet.
(Written while listening to Split Kick [Live at Birdland,1954])

Mr. Donaldson
Every morning your music brings the light into my life since i Lost my wife sweet Angela.
Did you ever play a song named "Angela"
Love ya

Happy Birthday Lou
Thank you very much for the music you offer to us. I try to find your recordings through the years. Your playing is always suberb through all your periods, until today
Happy 94th
Dimitrios

Wishing you a very belated Happy Birthday Mr Donaldson. You are such a talented man who has brought happiness to many people with your sweet tunes. You truly are a unique and special individual. Keep smiling:)

Happy Belated Birthday to you Lou!!
I hope you had a fantastic day!! I was just listening to one of your fine tunes and thought I'd look you up! I saw you a few years ago (not that many) at the Detroit Jazz festival and you were my favorite performer by far!
God bless you Lou. I look forward to wishing you another happy birthday next year. I will try to make it on time, next.time. - Ron

Mr. Donaldson,

Happy Birthday! I am only playing my alto since March, but I have developed an ear and am so glad to have found you! Peace to you and your family.

Lou, greetings from Badin, I hope your birthday was a great one.

Happy Birthday to a great person and friend!!!

Ron Hale from Parlin, NJ Happy 94th Birthday to a truly great man an Outstanding Musician!!!

Dear Mister Donaldson - thanks for sharing this life-time of amazing music.

Roy Mercado
Montreal Canada

Have a wonderful Birthday, Sweet Papa Lou!

A wonderful person, extraordinary musician, and the purest of them all!!!!

Dear Poppa Lou,
Wishing you love, good health and everlasting joy and happiness on you birthday......and thank you for your friendship!
Reverend Moses -Aka Abbas-

hey,just heard on the french radio (FIP) it was your birthday! HAPPY BDAY MR DONALDSON!

Hello Dear Mr. Lou, I and my wife Kerry wish you all the best for your birthday! The entire Jazzkeller Frankfurt family sends you and your family our sincere wishes for a healthy and safe year. Thank you for your amazing contribution to the jazz culture! Eugen Hahn

Happy Birthday Poppa Lou,
Thank you for teaching me what real jazz is, for all your years of support of AASF, and for great jokes. Meow. Keep Celebrating. Lots of love, the Julian Family

Hi Lou, Happy Birthday!. Thank you for making our world a better place with your music. I saw you perform at the Village Vanguard a few years ago with Pat Bianchi playing the organ, it was a performance that I'll never forget.

Happy Birthday Lou ...... I'm a huge fan having your recordings on vinyl in my collection ...... Bless to see such an incredible age, God bless you sir

Hello from Portugal. "Lou’s Blues" is a well known song in Portugal, specially among listeners of jazz. It is the introduction (and ending) tune to the oldest radio jazz show that currently exists in our country. It is called "5 minutes of Jazz" and is presented by the one and only Jose Duarte. By oldest I mean 54 years old (as of 2020).

I knew this tune long before I knew who Lou Donaldson was.

Best wishes to one of the best.

From Portugal, obrigado and boa sorte.

Nelson Pinto

Papa Lou. Thanks for all the great music. I cold called you about a decade ago when your daughter gave me your home phone. Just want to say thanks for all the great music and the even better break beats. Besides being an All-Star jazzman you hold a special place in Hip Hop history with some of the most iconic samples ever. Thanks again.

Peace

Billy

You are just wonderful. I'm an 84 yr. old tenor player.

Lou you are definitely one of the best, and one of my personal favorite jazz musicians of all time. "Hotdog!"

One of the best yet.
Cheers to the smoothest dude to blow a sax.
Thanks for the tunes, Mr. D

I love your saxophone tone. Your music always make me happy!
Thank you very much!

Dear Lou, Happiest of birthdays to you! I had the (extreme) pleasure of meeting and talking to you in Miami on January 18, 1988 (you signed two of my albums) and again in Orlando about ten years ago, It was YOUR alto saxophone playing that got me into jazz, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Meeting you was one of the greatest experiences of my life! In addition to superb alto playing, you had me doubled-over with laughter! God bless you, Mr. Donaldson!

Saw you years ago in Cleveland at the Sirhhar House Excellent Show one Awesome Saxophonists 🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷👌🏾👍🏾😎 Happy birthday 🎂🎈🎊🎉 .

Hello,
I still enjoy your music every day ever since I discovered it. There were several albums in my fathers collection and as a teenage bassplayer I was very eager in learning all kinds of music. I loved the sound of your sax immediately, and I have done ever since. I hope you are well. Lots of love and friendship from the Netherlands to you and your beloved ones!

Dear Lou, thank you for your creativity!
Your music helps to live and keep self-control in difficult moments.
I write through an online translator, so it's not cool.

Thanks for the best music, Mr. Donaldson, I am your fan Nº1.

I'm Argentinean living in Barcelona.

I hope to see it for Barcelona soon.

Hugs

Hello Mr.Donaldson.( And All Dat Jazz)
With hopes that this reaches you.And or read to you.As I know you don't manage any websites.
I have followed your music and career at a very young age.Even before I knew what jazz was.And even before my late uncle Duke Pearson,arranged for your Lush Life album.And have mainly enjoyed all of your classic sessions.As well as many other things you have done.But I grew up on Blue Note.I'm hoping to catch you at the Rialto Center for the Arts.January 21,2017.With Ramsey Lewis,Jimmy Cobb and Richard Davis.I'm sure it will be fantastic.So look for me (lol) And hopefully I will get the chance to meet you also.All the best now and for days to come.Rudy.Nephew of the late Duke Pearson.

I've only had the pleasure of seeing you in concert one time (an unforgettable night at the Syracuse Jazz Festival), but I have been grooving to your music ever since then. When you said that from now on everything you do is going to be funky, you sure didn't lie! Many thanks for all that you have done to bring so much joy to so many people.

Hi Lou
Hope you are well. We are looking forward to your show at Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon on Wed. 24th February, 2016....take care.

best
Alan

Dear Lou - Although I've undoubtedly heard your playing on countless tracks, I never "heard" of you by name before I tuned into the middle of an interview on Sirius radio this AM and heard you talking about music and baseball and I thought 'Who is this guy?' Anyway, just wanted to say I could've listened to you all day! What a great, warm and expressive conversation! Thanks for getting my day off to a great start.
Stan Sinberg

Thank you Sweet Papa Lou D. I sure miss the days at the Jazz Cultural Theatre and running into you all on the road and such.
What is your secret? You still look and sound great! Peace ,Love and Jazz!

Thanks for everything you have given to jazz.