Lester Young

Died On This Date (July 31, 2008) Lee Young / Jazz Drummer

themusicsover July 31, 2010 No Comments

Lee Young
March 7, 1914 – July 31, 2008

Lee Young was a respected jazz drummer, record producer, and A&R man who is credited for discovering Steely Dan. He was also the younger brother of famed jazz saxophonist, Lester Young. Throughout his career, he’s played with Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, Lionel Hampton, and Benny Goodman. He was the drummer in the Nat King Cole Trio during the ’50s. Lee Young passed away in his home at the age of 94.

Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (March 15, 1959) Lester Young / Jazz Legend

themusicsover March 15, 2010 No Comments

Lester Young
August 22, 1909 – March 15, 1959

Lester young was one of the most influential musicians to come out o jazz’s golden age. During that era, we had the “King” of Swing, “Count” Basie, and “Duke” Ellington, but Young kept it less regal and more American by being called “The Pres,” a nickname given to him by Billie Holiday. Young recorded with many of his great peers, including Count Basie, Jo Jones, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. To some, he was a bit of an eccentric, perhaps because he was not very trusting of anyone outside his inner circle. In fact, he created his own language that only his closest friends could understand. In his final years, Young was barely surviving some bad habits that he had developed, including heavy drinking and minimal eating. This lead to liver disease and serious malnutrition, the major contributors to his death at age 49 when he literally drank himself to death.

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Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (September 15, 1985) Cootie Williams / Jazz Great

themusicsover September 15, 2009 No Comments

Charles “Cootie” Williams
July 24, 1910 – September 15, 1985

Cootie Williams is considered by many to be the greatest jazz trumpeter of the 1930s. His career began at age 14 when he played alongside saxophonist Lester Young in the Young Family Band. Williams went on to play in Duke Ellington’s orchestra and later, Benny Goodman’s. He formed his own orchestra in 1941, giving a home to such future legends as Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell. Williams’ style of trumpet playing was labeled “jungle,” and he was one of the best at it. And he used a plunger as a mute, influencing the likes of Wynton Marsalis. Cootie Williams passed away at the age of 75.