Bio

Dexter Gordon was born in 1923 in Los Angeles, California. His career would start in earnest during the 1940’s, when he would play with everyone from Fletcher Henderson to Louis Armstrong. He was one of the first tenor saxophone players to adopt the bebop language to the tenor during this time. During the 1950’s Dexter Gordon would take on a more relaxed west coast jazz style that did not have the same verve and attack as his earlier bebop recordings. He would later go on to associate with Blue Note Records and relocate to New York, where he would create some of his best known recordings including, ‘Doin Alright’, ‘Go!’, and ‘A Swingin Affair’. Dexter was 6’6 and was nicknamed ‘Long Tall Dexter’, his sound was also massive. His tendency was to play behind the beat, but never drag. Dexter Gordon’s tone and style remain some of the most influential to this day. He would associate with a large number of fellow musicians including, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Wardell Grey, Kenny Drew, Neils Henning Orsted Pederson, Billy Higgins, Butch Warren, and Sonny Clark.