Donald Lambert (1904–1962) was an American jazz pianist, recognized primarily for his virtuosic stride piano playing. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Lambert was classically trained but gravitated towards the Harlem stride style, where he carved out a unique niche for himself during the stride piano's golden era in the 1920s and 1930s. Nicknamed the "Jersey Rocket," Lambert's impressive technical prowess and dynamic performances were a local fixture in clubs and bars across the Northeastern United States, particularly in New Jersey, where he chose to remain despite his talents—which could have well earned him a prominent national or even international career.

Throughout his lifetime, Donald Lambert recorded relatively sparingly, which makes albums like "Ragtime Donald," "Giant Stride," and "Recorded 1951-61" crucial collections of his work, preserving the essence of his remarkable abilities. These compilations showcase Lambert’s nimble, imaginative interpretations of popular tunes, classical melodies, and ragtime pieces, and are essential for any aficionados of stride piano or early jazz. Although Lambert never achieved the level of fame enjoyed by some of his contemporaries, he was highly respected by those who knew of his extraordinary skill. Even today, his recordings stand as a testament to his mastery of the stride piano and as an inspiring reflection of the vivacious music scene that thrived in Harlem during the early 20th century.