Lester Young – 10 Defining Moments From The Tenor Sax Legend [Video]

Innovator. Influencer. Troubled genius. Counter-cultural icon. Lester Young was all of these things and more.

The tenor saxophonist was one of the great early improvising personalities, whose influence upon generations of subsequent jazz musicians cannot be understated.

And despite a short life which was beset by ill health and personal problems, the influential jazz musician left behind some of the most perfectly melodic solos of all time.

In this article we’ll look at 10 definitive “moments” that tell the story of the President’s life in music, including collaborations with Count Basie, Billie Holiday and Oscar Peterson, as well as classic solo recordings and tales from his colourful personal life, such as his ill-fated stint in the army…

You’ll find info on many of the other tenor saxophone greats here.

Lester Willis Young was born in Woodville, Mississippi in 1909.

His family moved to Algiers, New Orleans while he was still a baby, and the …