Lester “Pres” Young passed 60 years ago, but he is still considered a true jazz giant. The Mississippi-born saxophonist’s birthday is August 27, 1909.
Young grew up in New Orleans and by the time he was in his teens, he’d joined his father’s vaudeville band. At 18, Young left the band because he refused to tour in the racist environment of the Jim Crow south.
After arriving to Kansas City, Mo. in the early ‘30s, Young joined a few of the local bands in the region but found his footing with Count Basie’s Orchestra. He stood out in the band because of his reserved playing style, and his colorful use of language. Some Jazz historians say that Young was responsible for the use of the word “cool” and using the term “bread” for money, informing the laid back speaking style employed by other jazz musicians. (READ MORE)
