Dexter Gordon

About

Influential jazz saxophonist who played with Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillepsie, influencing a generation of jazz musicians.

Before Fame

He picked up the clarinet at age thirteen and, soon after, he began performing with other talented young musicians, including Charles Mingus and Buddy Collette.

Trivia

After touring with the Lionel Hampton Band, he joined the innovative Billy Eckstine Orchestra with Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Sarah Vaughan.

Family Life

He grew up in Los Angeles where his father was a doctor who tended to Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, among others.

Associated With

John Coltrane was inspired by the Gordon's bebop sound.