Lester Young

USA, 1933–1959

American tenor saxophonist (1909-1959), known as Prez, who played with Count Basie. His light tone and relaxed placement behind the beat offered an alternative to the heavier saxophone style of the period.

MusicRoots documents 0 artists who influenced Lester Young and 5 artists Lester Young influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Which artists did Lester Young influence?

• John Coltrane — Lester Young was Coltrane's earliest saxophone model — Coltrane came to the tenor after being drawn to Young's and Johnny Hodges's playing.
• Wayne Shorter — Seeing Lester Young at fifteen was the formative moment of Shorter's musical life; he later wrote 'Lester Left Town' for him.
• Charlie Parker — The teenage Parker learned Lester Young's recorded solos note for note — the documented foundation of his phrasing.
• Charlie Christian — Christian idolised Lester Young, learning his Count Basie solos by heart — he wanted his guitar to phrase like Young's tenor saxophone, lagging and springing off the beat.
• The Skatalites — The other tenor McCook took from — the light tone, against Parker's velocity.