Bobby Donaldson

During the '50s and '60s, Bobby Donaldson was a prolific soul-jazz, mainstream, and hard bop drummer who worked smoothly with a host of players. He played with bands in his Boston hometown duing the early '40s, then with Russell Procope during his army service in the New York area. After the war, Donaldson toured and recorded with Cat Anderson in 1946 and 1947, then studied composition and arranging. He worked two years with Edmond Hall at the Cafe Society, then came engagements with Andy Kirk, Lucky Millinder, and Sy Oliver's band, which was recording under Louis Armstrong's leadership. In 1953, Donaldson played with Buck Clayton at one bar and Red Norvo at another. From the mid-'50s through the '60s, he played on numerous sessions. These included periods with Clayton, Helen Merrill, Mel Powell, Ruby Braff, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie, among others. ~ Ron Wynn