Lou Donaldson's career spanned over half a century, and several of his recordings were sampled in some of the most impactful rap, hip-hop and pop records in history.

A player of impeccable technique and a mainstay of the Blue Note label, he recorded constantly as both a leader and a sideman beginning in 1952.

Lou Donaldson, the alto saxophonist best known for as a “leading voice” of “hard bop,” has died on Saturday (Nov. 9) at age 98 in Daytona Beach, Florida. His death was confirmed by his family in a statement. “The Family of Sweet Poppa Lou ...