Person

Lester Young

Acting · 1909–1959 · Woodville, Mississippi, U.S.

Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Pres" or "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and sometime clarinetist. Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument. In contrast to many of his hard-driving peers, Young played with a relaxed, cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies, using "a free-floating style, wheeling and diving like a gull, banking with low, funky riffs that pleased dancers and listeners alike".

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  Jazz

  Self (archive footage)

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  'Round Midnight

  In Memory Of

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  Improvisation

  Self

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  Improvisation

  Self

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  Policy Man

  Himself

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  Jammin' the Blues

  Self - on Tenor Sax

• 2004ImprovisationSelf
• 2001JazzSelf (archive footage)
• 1986'Round MidnightIn Memory Of
• 1950ImprovisationSelf
• 1944Jammin' the BluesSelf - on Tenor Sax
• 1938Policy ManHimself