WKCR will honor the groundbreaker Lou Donaldson tomorrow, Tuesday Nov. 12th, with a memorial broadcast from 9:30am-9pm. As announced by his family, Donaldson passed away on November 9 at the age of 98.

Born in Badin, North Carolina on November 1, 1926, Lou first recorded with the Charlie Singleton Orchestra in 1950. An important musician that participated in the sessions at Minton’s Playhouse in the early 50s, one night in 1952 while playing a set he caught the attention of Blue Note co-founder Alfred Lion, which began a key relationship for the development of hard bop. Not only did Lou partake in countless notable sessions for Blue Note in the 50s such as with the Thelonious Monk Sextet in 1952, Art Blakey in 1954, or Jimmy Smith in 1957, he was also instrumental in bringing Clifford Brown, and Horace Silver to Blue Note, as well as giving many musicians their first session with the label. Throughout his whole career Donaldson gave opportunities to up-and-coming musicians to work in his band, and also provided mentorship to many generations of musicians that are on the scene today.

Donaldson leaves behind a huge legacy of recordings as a leader and sideman, and will forever be remembered for his lifetime of dedication to the music. Tune in tomorrow for a day of music celebrating the great Lou Donaldson.