Date of Birth: February 27, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: April 25, 1990
Biography
Dexter Gordon was an American jazz tenor saxophonist who became one of the most influential musicians in the bebop era of the 1940s. Born on February 27, 1923, in Los Angeles, California, Gordon was introduced to music at an early age by his father, Dr. Frank Gordon, who was a prominent physician and an amateur musician. Dexter began playing the clarinet at age 13 before switching to the saxophone. Gordon’s career took off in the early 1940s when he joined Lionel Hampton’s big band. He later played with other jazz legends, including Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, and Billy Eckstine. Known for his robust and expressive playing style, Gordon developed a unique sound that combined the influences of Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. In the 1960s, Gordon relocated to Europe, where he lived for 14 years, becoming a central figure in the European jazz scene. He returned to the United States in the mid-1970s and continued to perform and record prolifically. One of his notable later achievements was his role in the film “Round Midnight” (1986), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Gordon’s contributions to jazz were recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away on April 25, 1990, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of jazz.
5 Interesting Facts about Dexter Gordon
1. Dexter Gordon was one of the first tenor saxophonists to adapt the bebop style.
2. He lived in Europe for 14 years, significantly influencing the jazz scenes in Paris and Copenhagen.
3. Gordon was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 1986.
4. He starred in the film “Round Midnight” and received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.
5. Gordon’s tenor saxophone was famously known for its rich, warm tone and extensive use of vibrato.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dexter Gordon
1. “Music is a reservoir from which composers draw a perpetual supply of inspiration.”
2. “When you play, you have to keep the audience in mind. You have to show them that you care about them.”
3. “Jazz is a spirit. It’s a mood, a feeling, a way of being.”
4. “The music is always bigger than any one of us.”
5. “In jazz, the journey is the destination.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Dexter Gordon’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Dexter Gordon had three children: two sons, Robin and Benjamin, and a daughter, Mika.
Relevant Links
1. [Dexter Gordon on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexter_Gordon
3. [Dexter Gordon on Jazz Music Archives](https://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/artist/dexter-gordon
4. [Dexter Gordon’s Biography on Blue Note Records](https://www.bluenote.com/artist/dexter-gordon/
5. [Dexter Gordon’s IMDb Page](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330511/
