Lester Young

Lester Young- Lester Young was born into a musical family. His dad taught him three instruments and then saxophone. He began by playing in circuits and in vaudeville events. After turning 18 he refused to tour Southern U.S. due to the racism. Lester joined Count Basie's band after moving to Kansas City. He recorded many albums and soon left after being superstitious. His work with his brother and star-singer Billie Holliday sky-rocketed his reputation. He then left for the army after being drafted. After his term he followed heavy drinking binges for the rest of his life, until death. Before his death he created the "Sound of Jazz" on CBS and showed the world what the famous jazz musicians could do. His smooth playing jumped into the hearts of avid listeners and has stuck there ever since.

The Cannible

Julian "Cannonball" Adderley- Julian Adderley was extremely famous by the end of his life. The beginning of his career skyrocketed in New York, but began in Florida. His early adventure in school nicknamed him the "cannibal" for his fast eating capacity. In the early 1940's Cannonball played with his brother Nat and Ray Charles, the god of piano. After gaining reputation he moved on to New York city where he would accidentally land a gig in a small club. This gained the attention of Mile's Davis during the peak of his career. His work in the field of electric jazz with Miles Davis makes him a key figure in Jazz history.

Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon- Dexter Gordon played a strong role in the up rise of bebop. His father, Dr. Frank Gordon, introduced him to the world of music. As one of the first African American doctors in Los Angeles he was doctor to the famed artist: Duke Ellington. This inspirational figure pushed him to begin playing an instrument at the age of 13. By 15 he was playing alto saxaphone, and by 17 he had switched to tenor. After high school Dexter had the honor of playing with Lee young (Lester Young's little brother). His career skyrocketed when he met and sat with Lester Young while touring with one of his first bands. In 1944 Dexter scored a spot in Louis Armstrong's Orchestra. He recorded some of his first major material with them. By 1945 he was recording some of the most innovative bebop to date. By the late 40's he was playing with the best. Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Miles Davis created the most monumental bebop movement albums. His legendary arrangements with some of the greatest puts him up in ranks with the best.

Stan Getz

Stan Getz-  While growing up in the NYC, Stan Getz found a particularly comfortable place playing saxophone to the beats of his inspiration- Lester Young. Stan Getz is the key figure in the movement of Bossa Nova in the 50's and 60's. After playing cool jazz in Europe with Charlie Parker's great ensemble, he got involved in the jazz-samba movement. Despite the short life of the movement it had granted him increasing popularity, riches, and enough Grammy's for the whole family. His skills soon brought him to Stanford's Jazz Workshops, where he remained for a good portion of his life. He died on June 6th, 1991.  His work inspired many artists not only to play, but to stay off drugs.

Eric Dolphy

Eric Dolphy- Helped push the jazz in the 50's. He pioneered interesting noises on the saxaphone. At the time there were few people that had ever dared, but he turned it into an art. He made lifelike noises of animals and humans which nearly made his instrument speak. His improvisational style had heavy use of intervals. His career started off with a bang with the help of the Coltrane. They played together for a few shows, but his biggest was highlighted with the honor of lead alto sax. In a tragic incident the diabetic man ingested accidentally ingested insulin. After being administered to the hospital he was given drugs to cleanse his system. The doctors figured he had overdosed on drugs. Their stereotypical view of substance abusing black jazz musicians wen to far, and got Eric Dolphy accidentally killed. His legacy will forever live on in the heart of jazz.

Lou Marini

Lou Marini (Blue Lou)- He is a personal favorite of mine and an all-time master at blending with bands. He has played with many greats, and gone platinum with most. The Saturday Night Live Band, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, B.B. King, Lou Reed, Jimmy Buffet. Frank Zappa, Steely Dan, and even Aerosmith! He's also been the recipient of a Grammy award for his playing and compositions! To this day he is one of the most sought out sideman in the world of music. His style, skill, compassion, and lack of comparison to any other saxaphonists make him the perfect candidate for his 11th position on the list.

Paul Desmond

Paul Desmond- At the top of our list we have the one and only: Paul Desmond. Paul played with a very smooth style that shaped much of the 50's culture. He, paired with Dave Brubeck and his quartet, went on to create many masterpieces. "Take Five" was an instant success(written by the man himself). Paul Desmond wrote the song in 5/4 time and went on to play it with a style that couldn't be cooler. The quarter and him often toured colleges and bars where they found the most attention. Desmond's relaxed style often contrasted the style of Brubeck's piano playing, which tended to be very fast paced. Despite Desmond's individual success and talent he was not known for many other projects.