Jimmy Forrest, an American jazz tenor saxophonist, was born on January 24, 1920, in St. Louis, Missouri, and left an indelible mark on the jazz world before his passing on August 26, 1980. With a career that spanned several decades, Forrest is best known for his 1951 hit "Night Train," a track that became widely popular and has been covered by numerous artists in various genres. His gritty, powerful tone, and bluesy style made him a distinctive voice in the realm of tenor saxophone jazz.

Forrest began his musical journey in his hometown, performing with Fate Marable before joining the Jay McShann Orchestra, where he played alongside Charlie Parker. His path through the jazz circuits of the mid-20th century saw him collaborating with a slew of jazz legends, including Duke Ellington, where he took over the tenor chair from Ben Webster. Forrest's discography as a leader reflects his evolution as a musician, from the rhythm and blues-tinged "Night Train" to the sophisticated swing of "All the Gin Is Gone" and the refined bebop of "Our Delight." Despite the changing landscapes of jazz, Forrest's work remained rooted in the blues, enabling him to maintain a voice that was both contemporary and deeply connected to the genre's origins. His contributions to the saxophone's role in jazz have enshrined him as a key figure in the development of the modern jazz sound.

Genres

Jazz Saxophone

Latest Release

Forgetting Soundwaves

Jimmy Forrest

Single - Released November 16, 2023