Gordon, Dexter, 1923-1990

Dexter Gordon (b. Feb. 27, 1923, in Los Angeles; d. Apr. 25, 1990, in Philadelphia) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and actor.

From the description of Dexter Gordon collection, circa 1940-1996 (bulk 1960-1988). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71056532

Biographical Note

• 1923, Feb. 27: Born in Watts, Los Angeles, Calif.
• 1936: Studied music with Lloyd Reese Played in rehearsal band with Charles Mingus and Buddy Collette
• 1940: Quit high school and joined Lionel Hampton’s touring band
• 1942: Made recordings with Lionel Hampton’s band
• 1944: Moved to New York City Appeared with Billy Eckstine’s big band
• 1945 - 1946 : Recorded album Long Tall Dexter
• 1947: Recorded album The Chase with Wardell Gray
• circa 1950 - circa 1959 : Struggled with drug addiction
• 1955: Featured in the film Unchained Recorded album Dexter Blows Hot and Cool
• 1960: Actor, musician, composer, for Jack Gelber’s play, The Connection, Los Angeles, Calif. Recorded album The Resurgence of Dexter Gordon
• 1961: Began series of recordings for Blue Note records, including albums Doin' Allright and Dexter Calling
• 1962: Recorded album Go! Toured Europe Moved to Copenhagen
• 1963: Recorded Our Man in Paris
• 1967: Recorded Body and Soul
• 1968: Featured in the film Jag älskar, du älskar
• 1970: Appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival
• 1971: Recorded Just Jazz segment for PBS television
• 1972: Appeared at the Tangier Jazz Festival
• 1974: Recorded album The Apartment
• 1975: Toured Japan
• 1976: Moved to New York Recorded album Homecoming
• 1978: Honored at the White House Jazz Festival
• 1979: Published Jazz Saxophone Solos. Hollywood, Calif.: Almo Publications (transcriptions from original recordings)
• 1980: Named “Best Tenor Saxophonist” and “Jazz Musician of the Year” by Down Beat magazine Recorded album Gotham City
• 1986: Starred in the film 'Round Midnight
• 1990, Apr. 25: Died, Philadelphia, Penn.

From the guide to the Dexter Gordon Collection, circa 1940-1996, (bulk 1960-1988), (Music Division Library of Congress)