Gordon, Dexter (1923-1990), was one of the most important tenor saxophonists in jazz history. Gordon’s distinctive muscular tone and skill as an improviser influenced many jazz musicians. Gordon was also an occasional stage and motion-picture actor and received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as a jazz musician in ‘Round Midnight (1986).
Dexter Keith Gordon was born in Los Angeles. He began playing the clarinet at the age of 13. Gordon quit school in 1940, switched to the tenor saxophone, and joined the Lionel Hampton band. He played with Hampton through 1943 and moved to New York City in late 1944. There he played with the band of Billy Eckstine and recorded with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie before returning to Los Angeles. Gordon became a major part of the thriving Los Angeles jazz scene during the late 1940’s. During that time, he traveled frequently between Los Angeles and New York City, engaging in celebrated tenor saxophone battles with jazz stars Teddy Edwards and Wardell Gray.
Drug problems damaged Gordon’s career during the 1950’s. He recorded a series of classic albums for Blue Note records from 1961 to 1965. He moved to Europe in 1962 and performed primarily in Denmark from 1962 to 1976, with occasional visits to the United States. Gordon’s visit to the United States in 1976 created a sensation among jazz fans and musicians, and he became a major attraction at jazz clubs. He returned permanently in 1977. Poor health reduced Gordon’s activity by the early 1980’s. Although he lost much of his earlier power on the saxophone, Gordon continued playing until his death and was revered as a jazz legend.
