Sam Donahue

Samuel Koontz Donahue (March 18, 1918 – March 22, 1974) was an American jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, and musical arranger. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he performed with Gene Krupa, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Billy May, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton.[1]

Sam Donahue
At the Aquarium in New York City, c. December 1946
Background information
Birth nameSamuel Koontz Donahue
Born(1918-03-18)March 18, 1918
Detroit, Michigan
DiedMarch 22, 1974(1974-03-22) (aged 56)
Reno, Nevada
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsSaxophone, trumpet

Biography

Donahue was born in Detroit. He played in the bands of Gene Krupa, Harry James, and Benny Goodman. During World War II, Donahue took over the Navy band of Artie Shaw, and after the war he assembled and led a group that had several successful recordings for Capitol Records.[2]

He was married to actress Patricia Donahue and was the father of guitarist Jerry Donahue and played on the album Fotheringay 2

His compositions included "Quiet and Roll 'Em" with Gene Krupa, "Convoy" released as V-Disc No. 610B, "LST Party", which was released as a V-Disc as No. 573A in January, 1946, with the Navy Dance Band, "Scuttlin'", "Love Scene", "Please Get Us Out", "Root Toot", "Constellation", "Conversation at Lindy's", "Saxa-Boogie", and "Saxophone Sam".

Donahue died from pancreatic cancer on March 22, 1974.

Discography

As leader
  • For Young Moderns in Love (Capitol, 1954)
  • Dance Date With Sam Donahue (Remington, 1957)
  • Stop Look Go And Listen To Sam Donahue (Prescott, 1958)
  • Convoy (Hep, 1974)

As sideman

With Stan Kenton

With others

References
  1. Carr, Ian; Digby Fairweather; Brian Priestley (1995). Jazz: The Rough Guide. The Rough Guides. pp. 175–176. ISBN 1-85828-137-7.
  2. Vera, Billy (2000). From the Vaults Vol. 3: Capitol Jumps (CD). Hollywood: Capitol Records. p. 6.
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