Accessibility links
Lester Young Lester Young artist page: interviews, features and/or performances archived at NPR Music

Lester Young

Lester Young: 'The Prez' Still Rules At 100

Rather than holding his saxophone vertically, Lester Young held it high and to the right at a 45-degree angle. Herman Leonard/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Herman Leonard/Getty Images

Music Interviews

Lester Young: 'The Prez' Still Rules At 100

Young, aka "The President of Jazz," was born 100 years ago Thursday. He led a revolution on the tenor saxophone that influenced generations to follow, though he died in 1959. He was Billie Holiday's favorite accompanist, and his robust tenor had an impact on everybody from Charlie Parker to Sonny Rollins.

Lester Young: 'The Prez' Still Rules At 100

Listen · 7:20
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/112255870/112281219" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Jazz Centennials: Legends At 100

Lester Young gave Billie Holiday her nickname: "Lady Day." William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress via flickr.com hide caption

toggle caption
William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress via flickr.com

Take Five: A Jazz Sampler

Jazz Centennials: Legends At 100

WBGO

Jazz has no shortage of celebrated masters. Every year brings an abundance of new milestones for record labels to celebrate. With that in mind, we present songs by six American jazz musicians who would have become centenarians in 2009, including Lester Young.

Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Count Basie: 'The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2'

In the late 1930s, big bands frequently vied for the greatest applause in "ballroom competitions." According to commentator A.B. Spellman, "the Basie band was never beaten" in these competitions." This two-volume set showcases Basie at the height of his ballroom success, and features his renowned rhythm section, "the Kansas City Walk."

Count Basie: 'The Essential Count Basie, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2'

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4558166/150767954" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Review

Basic Jazz Record Library

Lester Young: 'The Complete Aladdin Recordings'

Some critics claim that Lester Young never sounded the same after his stint in the military in the '40s, but The Complete Aladdin Recordings proves otherwise. This classic two-album set showcases Young's unique ability to float over bar lines with a light tone, rather than the forceful approach that was dominant during his time.

Lester Young: 'The Complete Aladdin Recordings'

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/4559312/150768045" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Browse archive or search npr.org