Saxophonists · 1932–1986

Don Wilkerson

American musician

Born: 6 July 1932
Moreauville
Died: 18 July 1986
Houston
Country: United States
Record labels: Blue Note

Biography

Don Wilkerson was a jazz musician who played saxophone. Don Wilkerson was born on 6 July 1932 in Moreauville and died on 18 July 1986 in Houston. The music is usually filed under jazz. Record labels: Blue Note.

Don Wilkerson (c. 1932 – 18 July 1986) was an American soul jazz / R&B tenor saxophonist born in Moreauville, Louisiana. He was raised in Houston, and it remained his base until he died there in 1986. He is probably best known for his Blue Note Records recordings in the 1960s as bandleader with guitarist Grant Green. Prior to signing with the label, he worked frequently with Cannonball Adderley. Some of his earliest recordings were done in the 1950s as a sideman for Amos Milburn and Ray Charles. He can be heard on several of Charles's hits from the 1950s, including "I Got a Woman," "This Little Girl of Mine," and "Hallelujah, I Love Her So." Remaining in Houston from the early 1970s, he played in the Sonny Franklin Big Band with Tom Archia, Arnett Cobb, and his bandmate from the Ray Charles band, Joe Bridgewater, with guest appearances by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown.

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Also plays on

Albums where Don Wilkerson is credited as a sideman

1958	Yes Indeed! — Ray Charles	tenor saxophone
1961	The Genius Sings the Blues — Ray Charles	tenor saxophone
1962	Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music — Ray Charles	tenor saxophone
1972	Jazz Number II — Ray Charles	tenor saxophone
2008	Saga All Stars: Hallelujah I Love Her So / Selected Singles 1955-1957 — Ray Charles	tenor saxophone