Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon was born on February 27, 1923 in Los Angeles, Ca. At thirteen he started out playing clarinet, later switching to alto sax and then tenor. At 17 he was playing in Lionel Hampton's Band.

In 1943 he made his first recordings under his own name. From 1943-1945 he played with Louis Armstrong's Band, Fletcher Henderson's Band, and Billy Eckstine's Band.

By 1961 Gordon was recording for Blue Note. "Doin' Alright" was his Blue Note debut. From 1962 -1976 he moved to Europe, living in Paris and Copenhagen, making occasional returns to the States for recording sessions. From 1963-1973 he recorded for the Prestige label.

Dexter finally returned to the U.S. in 1976. He appeared at the Village Vanguard and recorded "Homecoming." This, plus promotions from his new label, Columbia Records, made him very popular.

In 1986, Gordon was nominated for an Academy Award for his starring role in the movie 'Round Midnight. He died from Kidney Failure in Philadelphia, Pa. on April 25, 1990.


Earlier this afternoon I listened to Dexter's album "Go." This is a 1962 Blue Note release. The personnel include Dexter Gordon on tenor sax, Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums.

The tunes include "Cheesecake," "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry," "Second Balcony Jump," "Love For Sale," "Where Are You?" and "Three O'clock In The Morning.
This album received a 5 star rating on All Music Guide. Stacia Proefrock says "Gordon had many high points in his five decade-long career, but this is certainly the peak of it all."


Here's a video of Dexter playing "Green Dolphin Street."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPOBJBKthd8&feature=player_detailpage