Icons of Music
Legendary Musicians of Meyer & Otto Link
John Coltrane - Otto Link
John Coltrane stands as a titan of jazz, celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to modal and free jazz that redefined the genre. Known worldwide for masterpieces like Giant Steps and A Love Supreme, Coltrane’s work transcended traditional boundaries, introducing profound musical innovations that inspired generations. His influence reaches far beyond jazz, impacting musicians across genres and cementing his place as a visionary of 20th-century music. Today, Coltrane’s legacy endures, with his artistry and revolutionary spirit continuing to shape the music world.
Ben Webster - Otto Link
Known as The Brute and Frog, Ben Webster brought an unmistakable warmth and raw emotion to jazz, becoming one of the genre’s most evocative tenor saxophonists. His rich, resonant tone and soulful phrasing defined an era, placing him alongside legends like Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. Webster's work, especially during the big band era, left a deep imprint on jazz, influencing the style and technique of countless saxophonists who followed. A true force in jazz history, Webster’s expressive playing and powerful sound remain central to the genre’s evolution.
Charlie Parker - Otto Link
Charlie Parker, a towering figure in jazz history, revolutionized the genre with his unparalleled virtuosity and the creation of bebop. Known as “Bird,” Parker’s innovative approach to improvisation and harmony transformed the saxophone into an instrument of extraordinary expression. Iconic recordings like Ko-Ko and Ornithology showcase his dazzling technique and profound musicality, influencing countless musicians and reshaping the course of modern music.
Parker’s genius transcended his time, bridging the worlds of jazz and classical while inspiring a cultural movement that celebrated freedom and creativity. His legacy lives on, defining the spirit of innovation and artistry in music.
Dexter Gordon - Otto Link
Known as Long Tall Dexter and the Sophisticated Giant, Dexter Gordon brought a bold, resonant sound and a unique musical quoting style to his solos, making him a defining voice in jazz. A true icon of the bebop era, Gordon’s image graced countless album covers and posters, cementing his cultural impact. His influence reached giants like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, shaping the next wave of saxophonists and the future of jazz itself. Blending bebop with straight-ahead jazz, Gordon’s legacy as a jazz innovator and pioneer of the tenor saxophone endures, celebrated for his artistry and lasting contributions to the genre.
Lester Young - Otto Link
Nicknamed Prez, Lester Young was a towering figure in jazz, celebrated for his relaxed, lyrical style that redefined the tenor saxophone during the swing era. His groundbreaking work with the Count Basie Orchestra brought him immense fame, making him one of jazz’s most influential voices. Young’s innovative approach, marked by a smooth tone and pioneering improvisation, inspired countless musicians, including legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Revered as a transformative figure, Young’s unique sound and artistry left an indelible mark on jazz, solidifying his legacy as one of the genre’s greats.
Cannonball Adderley - Meyer
A cornerstone of hard bop, Cannonball Adderley dazzled audiences with his vibrant, energetic playing style. Known for his Grammy-winning hit Mercy Mercy Mercy, Adderley became a celebrated figure in jazz, bridging genres and appealing to broad audiences. His profound impact on jazz extends beyond his recordings; as a mentor, he guided and inspired countless musicians, solidifying his status as a revered jazz legend. Adderley’s contributions to hard bop and soul jazz continue to resonate, shaping the genre and inspiring new generations of artists.
Phil Woods - Meyer
Phil Woods, celebrated for his signature sound and commanding alto saxophone performances, left an indelible mark on jazz. His memorable solo on Just the Way You Are brought his powerful style to a broad audience, while his work as a bandleader and collaborator solidified his place in jazz and popular music alike. Recognized as one of the foremost alto saxophonists of his era, Woods influenced generations with his unique style and technical brilliance. With four Grammy awards and a place in the Jazz Hall of Fame, Woods remains a pivotal figure, his legacy echoing through the genre he helped shape.
Coleman Hawkins - Otto Link
Coleman Hawkins, often hailed as the father of the tenor saxophone in jazz, revolutionized the instrument with his pioneering approach and unmistakable depth. His iconic recording of Body and Soul remains a defining moment in jazz, showcasing his innovative style and emotional range. Hawkins’ influence spans generations, with giants like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins drawing inspiration from his mastery. A foundational figure in both jazz and popular music, Hawkins’ legacy endures as a cultural icon, celebrated for his profound impact on the genre and the musicians who followed.
Sonny Stitt - Otto Link
Sonny Stitt, known as the Lone Wolf for his unwavering devotion to jazz and relentless touring, carved a significant place in jazz history with his warm tone and unmatched technical skill. Playing both alto and tenor saxophones, Stitt was initially compared to Charlie Parker, but his distinct voice emerged, especially on tenor, where he pioneered a unique style within bebop and hard bop. Over his prolific career, Stitt recorded more than 100 albums, collaborating with jazz legends like Gene Ammons, Bud Powell, and Miles Davis, while also experimenting with soul jazz and Afro-Cuban influences. Though his journey faced challenges, Stitt’s legacy endures as a master improviser and influential force, revered for his contributions to jazz saxophone and bebop’s evolution.
Stan Getz - Otto Link
Nicknamed The Sound for his warm, lyrical tone, Stan Getz captivated audiences with his artistry, even while grappling with personal struggles. Renowned for his role in popularizing bossa nova in the U.S., Getz’s collaborations—most famously The Girl from Ipanema—brought a new wave of sound to jazz. His influence reverberates through generations of saxophonists, who continue to be inspired by his style and emotional depth. A complex figure both personally and professionally, Getz remains one of jazz’s all-time greats, celebrated for his musical legacy and indelible mark on the genre.
Hank Mobley - Otto Link
Known as the middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone, Hank Mobley crafted a unique style that seamlessly blended strength with subtlety. While often overshadowed by contemporaries like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, Mobley’s distinctive tone and contributions to the hard bop genre have earned him a revered place in jazz history. His compositions and understated approach influenced many saxophonists, and his artistry has gained lasting recognition over time. Though once underrated, Mobley’s impact on jazz endures, celebrated by musicians and listeners alike for its depth and finesse.
Lou Donaldson - Meyer
Lou Donaldson, with a career spanning over six decades, is celebrated as a pioneer of hard bop and a master of the blues-infused alto saxophone. Born in Badin, North Carolina, he began on clarinet before switching to saxophone, later serving in the U.S. Navy’s Great Lakes Band during WWII. Initially influenced by Charlie Parker, Donaldson crafted a distinctive style blending bebop virtuosity with soulful, bluesy warmth, which became his signature. His extensive work with Blue Note Records produced influential albums like Blues Walk and Alligator Bogaloo, while his collaborations with jazz luminaries like Clifford Brown and Jimmy Smith helped define the organ-saxophone sound in jazz. Inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame and awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award, Donaldson’s contributions have left an indelible mark, making jazz more accessible and inspiring generations of musicians with his “swinging bebop” style.
Mark Colby - Otto Link
Mark Colby, celebrated for his warm tenor saxophone tone and dedication to jazz, made an indelible mark as both a performer and educator. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and a graduate of the University of Miami, Colby gained early recognition as a member of Maynard Ferguson's band in the 1970s and went on to perform with legends like Jaco Pastorius, Bob James, and Frank Sinatra. His own recordings showcased his distinctive sound, blending straight-ahead jazz with contemporary fusion. Colby’s legacy extends beyond performance; as a professor of jazz studies at DePaul University and Elmhurst College for over 30 years, he mentored countless young musicians, leaving a lasting influence on the jazz community. Known for his generosity and passion for teaching, Colby’s contributions to jazz education and his impact on the Chicago jazz scene are remembered fondly by students, colleagues, and audiences worldwide.