Paul Desmond

Cool jazz, Musical Artist

1924 – 1977

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Who was Paul Desmond?

Paul Desmond was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer, best known for the work he did in the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for penning that group's greatest hit, "Take Five". He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the West Coast's cool jazz scene, and the possessor of a legendary and idiosyncratic wit.

In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several of his own groups and did significant collaborations with artists such as Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall and Chet Baker. After years of chain smoking and general poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 following one last tour with Brubeck.

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Born
Nov 25, 1924
San Francisco
Also known as
  • Desmond, Paul
Parents
Nationality
  • United States of America
Profession
Education
  • San Francisco State University
Lived in
  • San Francisco
Died
May 30, 1977
Manhattan

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

Citation

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