PUBLISHED: Sep 05, 2011
DESCRIPTION:
Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 -- March 15, 1959),[1] nicknamed "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and clarinetist. He also played trumpet, violin, and drums.
Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument, playing with a cool tone and using sophisticated harmonies. He invented or popularized much of the hipster ethos which came to be associated with the music.
(extract from Wikipedia 2011)