Steve Douglas (saxophonist)
Steve Douglas (born Steven Douglas Kreisman; September 24, 1938 – April 19, 1993) was an American saxophonist and flautist. As a Los Angeles session musician, he worked with Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and Ry Cooder.
Steve Douglas | |
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Birth name | Steven Douglas Kreisman |
Born | Los Angeles, California | September 24, 1938
Died | April 19, 1993 54) Los Angeles, California | (aged
Occupation(s) | Session musician |
Instruments | Saxophone, flute, woodwinds |
Associated acts |
Biography
Douglas can be heard on records by Duane Eddy, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Willy DeVille, Bob Dylan, The Ramones and many others. He was also a record producer, having produced Mink DeVille's Le Chat Bleu, as well as tracks for Wayne Newton and The Lettermen.[1]
On April 19, 1993, while warming up with Ry Cooder, Steve Douglas collapsed and died. Heart Failure was the official cause of death. He was 54.[2]
It became a tradition for Darlene Love to perform "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" for Christmas on the Late Show with David Letterman with Douglas's sax from the original recording being played by Bruce Kapler.[3] This tradition continued through December 19, 2014, when it had been announced that Letterman would be retiring in May, 2015.
Awards
In 2003, Douglas was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Selected discography
As leader
- Twist with Steve Douglas and the Rebels, 1962
- Hot Sax, 1990
As sideman
- The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds; 15 Big Ones; Keepin' the Summer Alive
- Bob Dylan: Street Legal; Bob Dylan at Budokan; Shot of Love; Knocked Out Loaded
- Duane Eddy: Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel
- Sammy Hagar: Street Machine
- Mink DeVille: Cabretta; Return to Magenta; Le Chat Bleu
- The Ramones: End of the Century
References
- Michael Bennett (30 September 1972). "Western Canada:Activity abounds on all fronts". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.: 48–. ISSN 0006-2510.
- "Steve Douglas Is Dead; Rock Saxophonist, 55". The New York Times. 22 April 1993.
- Liebenson, Donald (22 December 2011). "A Letterman Christmas: It's the Most Wonderful Night of the Year". The Huffington Post.
External links
- "Steve Douglas". Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Steve Douglas at AllMusic
- Steve Douglas discography at Discogs