Dexter Gordon

Born in Los Angeles, California, Dexter Gordon (February 27, 1923 – April 25, 1990) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and an Academy Award-nominated actor (Round Midnight. Warner Bros, 1986). He is regarded as one of the first and most important musicians to adapt the musical language of people like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell (bebop) to the tenor saxophone. Gordon is one of the most influential and iconic figures in Jazz and is largely credited for establishing the classic, modern sound and stylistic concept for the saxophone in general, and the tenor in particular. His studio and live performance career was both extensive and multifaceted, spanning over 50 years in recorded jazz history. Gordon's height was 6 feet 6 inches (about 198 cm), and so consequently he was also known as 'Long Tall Dexter' and 'Sophisticated Giant.' He played a Conn 10M 'Ladyface' tenor until it was stolen in a Paris airport in 1961. He then switched over to a Selmer Mark VI. His saxophone was fitted with an Otto Link metal mouthpiece, which can be seen in various photos. Gordon passed away on April 25, 1990 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Read more artist reviews on