Lester Young
Born:
08/27/1909
City:
Woodville
Region:
Mississippi
Country:
USA
Died:
03/15/1959
Years Active:
1920s-1959
Instruments:
Clarinet, Drums, Sax, Violin
Notable Equipment:
Associated Artists:
Recorded With:
Image Credit:
By Photograph by Ojon Mili. Time Inc. - Life magazine, Volume 17, Number 13 (page 40), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44359804
_______________________________________________________
Lester Willis Young, 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, playing with a cool tone and using sophisticated harmonies. He invented or popularized much of the hipster ethos which came to be associated with the music.