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

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

A pop-up statement on Donaldson’s website reads: “The family of sweet Papa Lou Donaldson sadly confirms his passing on November 9, 2024. A private service will be held. Thank you for your support of Lou and his music throughout his career. Because from you, his legendary contribution to jazz he will live forever.”

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

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Lou Donaldson in New York in February 1985.

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

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Donaldson’s rendition of Gentry’s song has earned its place in the pop music canon and has been sampled more than 200 times, notably on Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “Clap Your Hands,” and A$AP’s “L$D.” Rocky. Some of his other recordings, such as “Pot Belly” and his instrumental cover of The Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing”, have been sampled by De La Soul, Amy Winehouse, Dr. Dre and others.

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Lou Donaldson performs in New York in June 2009.

Jack Vartoogian/Getty

The saxophonist announced his retirement in 2018 at the age of 92 after remaining a regular at jazz festivals and clubs, particularly around New York. 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 to celebrate his 98th birthday but canceled due to pneumonia just over a week before his death.

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

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Source: HIS Education