Lester Young
Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Pres" or "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and clarinetist. He also played trumpet, violin, and drums.
Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument. He played with a cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies, using "a free-floating style, wheeling and diving like a gull, banking with low, funky riffs that pleased dancers and listeners alike".
Famous for his hip, introverted style, he invented or popularized much of the hipster ethos which came to be associated with the music.
Read more about Lester Young: Early Life and Career, With The Count Basie Orchestra, Leaving Basie, Army Service, Post-war Recordings, Struggle and Revival, The Final Years, Posthumous Dedications and Influence
Famous quotes containing the words lester and/or young:
“Young men all of usweve got to be. You know why? Ill give you two good reasons. We jump out of planes, and guys shoot at us.”
—Alvah Bessie, Ranald MacDougall, and Lester Cole. Raoul Walsh. Captain Nelson (Errol Flynn)
“Darling,
will you come home today
after a few hours,
or at noon,
or a little later,
or when the whole days passed?
A young wife
with tearful words stuck in her throat
spoils the departure of her man
who wishes to go to a land
that takes a hundred days
to reach.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)