Lester Young

The Profile

Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, a leading figure of the swing era known for his light, lyrical tone and influential phrasing.

Nicknamed "Prez" (or "Pres"), Young rose to prominence in the 1930s with Count Basie, collaborated closely with Billie Holiday, and made notable small-group and Verve-era recordings produced by Norman Granz. His style contrasted with Coleman Hawkins and influenced later developments in jazz phrasing.

DeBaser hosts a small set of reviews on Lester Young focusing on the Trio (1946 Verve session) and the late album Laughin' to Keep From Cryin'. Reviewers praise Young's light, languid tenor tone and interplay with Nat "King" Cole and Buddy Rich, while noting weaknesses in his final recordings. The assessments mix admiration for his influence with sympathy for his fragile late period.