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Dexter Gordon ( February 27, 1923 - April 25, 1990) was an American tenor saxophone musician. He is considered the first important hard bop tenor player. From 1940 to 1980, he played with such jazz greats as Lionel Hampton, Tadd Dameron, Charles Mingus, Louis Armstrong and Billy Eckstine. He also played with the Fletcher Henderson band in L.A. for a few weeks in 1947Events January January 1 British mines nationalized January 1 Nigeria gains limited autonomy January 1 The Canadian Citizenship Act went into effect January 3 Proceedings of the United States Congress are televised for the first time. January 10 United Na.

He was particularly noted for his titanic saxophone duels with fellow tenorman Wardell GrayWardell Gray ( 1921- 1955) was one of the foremost jazz tenor saxophone players of his generation. He possessed a highly fertile imagination which enabled him to produce an unceasing flow of ideas, expressed with a beautiful light tone; his relaxed style, a popular live attraction that also produced several albums between 1947Events January January 1 British mines nationalized January 1 Nigeria gains limited autonomy January 1 The Canadian Citizenship Act went into effect January 3 Proceedings of the United States Congress are televised for the first time. January 10 United Na and 1952Summary of notable events in 1952 . Events January events January 8 West Germany has 8 million refugees inside its borders. January 24 Sudden heavy snowfall in Algeria. January 24 Vincent Massey sworn in as first Canada-born Governor-General of Canada..

Gordon's sound has been characterized as "large" and his tendency to play behind the beat has often been emphasized. One of his major influences was Lester YoungLester Willis Young nicknamed Prez ( August 27, 1909- March 15, 1959) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Young was born in Woodville, Mississippi and grew up in a musical family. His brother Lee Young was a noted drummer, and several other relatives. While never considered as revolutionary as Charlie ParkerCharlie Parker ( August 29, 1920 March 12, 1955) was a jazz saxophonist and composer, and one of the top musical innovators of the 20th century. Parker is commonly considered one of the half-dozen greatest jazz musicians, on a level with Louis Armstrong, or John ColtraneJohn Coltrane ( September 23, 1926 July 17, 1967) was a famous jazz saxophonist. Early life Born in Hamlet, North Carolina, Coltrane grew up in High Point, North Carolina and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June 1943. He was inducted into the Navy, his influence can still be heard in many jazz saxophonists. He was also known for his habit of reciting the lyrics of all ballads before performing them.

Gordon notably made two appearances in cinema during his life. The first movie appearance occurred, oddly enough, while in prison for possession of heroin. He portrayed an inmate playing in the prison band in Unchained, though the soundtrack was later overdubbed.

He was composer, musician, and actor in the play The Connection in 1960Events January-February January 1 Independence of Cameroon January 9 Aswan High Dam construction begins in Egypt January 11 Chad declares its independence. January 14 Ralph Chubb, the gay poet and printer, dies at Fair Oak Cottage in Hampshire. January 23. After that, he spent 15 years playing and living in Europe, mostly in Paris and Copenhaegen. He concerted regularly with fellow ex-pat jazzmen like Bud PowellBud Powell ( September 27, 1924 July 31, 1966) is widely regarded as one of the finest and most influential pianists in the history of jazz. He was instrumental in the development of bebop. His virtuosity as a pianist has led many to call him the Charlie, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Drew, Horace Parlan and Billy Higgins. He also visited the States occasionally for recording dates, resulting in several albums being released under his name.

Gordon finally returned to the United States for good in 1976, and appeared in the Village Vanguard, NY for a gig that was dubbed as his "homecoming". After this appearance he would release several more albums that proved he was as good if not better than before his years in Europe and finally gained appreciation as one of the great jazz tenors.

In 1986, he starred in the movie 'Round Midnight, in which he played the role of a musician much like himself; some have suggested the role is thinly-veiled autobiography. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for the role. Gordon is a member of the Jazz Hall of Fame and was voted musician of the year by Down Beat magazine in 1978 and 1980.

Gordon was 6 foot 5 inches tall and consequently known as Long Tall Dex.