Paul Desmond (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld, November 25, 1924 – May 30, 1977) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer, best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for composing that group’s biggest hit, “Take Five”. He was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the cool jazz scene.
In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. After years of chain smoking and poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 after a tour with Brubeck.
instruments played
alto
clarinet
saxophone
Associated Acts
Dave Brubeck, Ed Bickert, Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall, Chet Baker
Birth Name
Paul Emil Breitenfeld
Genres
Cool jazz, West Coast jazz, mainstream jazz
Labels
Columbia, RCA Victor, Horizon, CTI
Occupations
Musician, composer, arranger
Name
Paul Desmond
Nationality
United States of America