Lou Donaldson, Alto Saxophone Master and 'Alligator Bogaloo' Hitmaker, Dies at 98

Mar. 15, 2025

Lou Donaldson in 1970.Photo:Gilles Petard/Redferns

Gilles Petard/Redferns

Lou Donaldson, acclaimed jazz alto saxophonist, died over the weekend according to a statement from his family. He was 98.

A pop-up statement onDonaldson’s websitereads, “The Family of Sweet Poppa Lou Donaldson sadly confirms his death on November 9, 2024. A private service will be held.Thank you for your support of Lou and his music throughout his career. Because of you, his legendary contributions to Jazz will live on forever.”

Donaldson was born in Badin, North Carolina on Nov. 1, 1926. After being introduced to bebop music during his time in the Navy during World War II, he embarked on a career as a saxophonist. Some of his earliest recordings were with prominent jazz musicians such as Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey and more.

Lou Donaldson in New York City in February 1985.Anthony Barboza/Getty

Anthony Barboza/Getty

Over the course of his 50-plus-year career, Donaldson was revered for his thoughtful, bluesy approach to the alto saxophone. His unique style earned him several hits, such as his renowned cover of Bobbie Gentry’s 1967 single “Ode to Billie Joe,” a blues-country song about the suicide of a rural Mississippi boy.

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Lou Donaldson performing in New York City in June 2009.Jack Vartoogian/Getty

Jack Vartoogian/Getty

The saxophonist announced his retirement in 2018 at 92 after remaining a regular at jazz festivals and clubs, especially around New York City. Up until shortly before his death, Donaldson would still celebrate his birthday at these clubs, especially Dizzy’s Jazz Club in New York. He had planned tocelebrate his 98thbut canceled due to a bout of pneumonia a little over a week prior to his death.

Donaldson was married to his hometown sweetheart Maker Neal Turner from 1950 until her death in 2006. The couple also shared two children, Lydia Tutt-Jones, who died in 1994, and his surviving daughter Carol.

source: people.com