Sam Donahue
Samuel Koontz Donahue (18 March 1918 – 22 March 1974) was an American swing music jazz tenor saxophonist, trumpeter and musical arranger. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he is known for his work with Gene Krupa, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Billy May, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, among many others.[1]
Sam Donahue | |
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![]() at the Aquarium New York City, c. December 1946 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Samuel Koontz Donahue |
Born | Detroit | March 18, 1918
Died | March 22, 1974 56) Reno, Nevada | (aged
Instruments | tenor saxophonist |
Biography
Donahue was born in Detroit. He played in the bands of Gene Krupa, Harry James, and Benny Goodman. During World War II, Donahue took over the Navy band of Artie Shaw, and after the war he assembled and led a group that had several successful recordings for Capitol Records.[2]
He was married to actress Patricia Donahue and is the father of guitarist Jerry Donahue and plays sax on the Fotheringay 2 album.
Death
Donahue died from pancreatic cancer on March 22, 1974, 4 days after his birthday.
Discography
With Stan Kenton
- The Romantic Approach (Capitol, 1961)
- Sophisticated Approach (Capitol, 1961)
- Adventures in Blues (Capitol, 1961 [1963])
- Kenton's West Side Story (Capitol, 1961)
- Adventures In Jazz (Capitol, 1962)
References
- Carr, Ian; Digby Fairweather; Brian Priestley (1995). Jazz: The Rough Guide. The Rough Guides. pp. 175–176. ISBN 1-85828-137-7.
- Vera, Billy (2000). From the Vaults Vol. 3: Capitol Jumps (CD). Hollywood: Capitol Records. p. 6.