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The oldest living musician from Blue Note Records' classic era, Lou Donaldson has spent more than six decades carving himself an enduring and formidable reputation as an alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer. Having recorded many classic albums under his own name, and as second string to a host of other ground-breaking jazz musicians, Donaldson started out emulating the bebop style of Charlie Parker, before later developing his instantly-recognisable soulful, bluesy tone. Lou also has the unique distinction of being one of few musicians to employ an organist in his band through much of his career, in addition to the more standard inclusion of a pianist. Lou Donaldson was born in Badin, North Carolina on 1st November 1926, the second of four children to Andrew, a minister, and Lucy, a teacher. It would be his mother - also a music director and concert pianist - who would recognise Lou's musical ear at an early age, initially introducing him to the clarinet. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree at North Carolina A&T University, Donaldson was drafted into the US Navy in 1945, playing in the Great Lakes Navy Band, where he made his switch to alto saxophone. During this time he was introduced to the music of Charlie Parker which had a profound effect on the young musician, and at the war's conclusion, he joined The Rhythm Vets, a group consisting of students who had served in the Navy. The band would go on to record the soundtrack for musical comedy featurette Pitch a Boogie Woogie in 1947. At the end of the decade, Donaldson moved to New York with his new wife, Maker, where he attended the Darrow Institute of Music.

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