Lester Willis Young

Young, Lester Willis (1909–59), U.S. tenor saxophonist, one of the most influential jazz musicians. Young grew up in New Orleans, playing in his father's carnival band, first as drummer and then saxophonist. He was active in Kansas City jazz, playing with “King” Oliver and other bands. Young (or “Prez” as he became known) played with Count Basie from 1935 to 1944 and on tour with “Jazz at the Philharmonic” in the 1940s and 1950s. He helped develop the “cool” jazz style of the 1940s, using the saxophone to create new sounds and employing expressive silences.

See also: Jazz.