Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II (December 9, 1932 – February 4, 2013) was an American jazz and rhythm and blues trumpeter. A sideman for many other jazz musicians of his generation, Byrd was best known as one of the only bebop jazz musicians who successfully pioneered the funk and soul genres while simultaneously remaining a jazz artist. As a bandleader, Byrd is also notable for his influential role in the early career of renowned keyboard player and composer Herbie Hancock.
December 9, 1932, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Died
February 4, 2013, Dover, Delaware, United States
Place Of Birth
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Profession
Soundtrack, Miscellaneous Crew, Actor
Education
Wayne State University, Teachers College, Columbia University, Manhattan School of Music
Nationality
American
Music Groups
The Jazz Messengers, The Blackbyrds, Dominoes, Places and Spaces, Canteloupe Island
Star Sign
Sagittarius
#
Fact
1
Frequently recorded with Gigi Gryce, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Art Pepper (1958-61) and Hank Mobley.
2
Was primarily a jazz musician (specialising in hard bop and jazz-rock fusion), but also branched out into R&B and funk. Created and led fusion group The Blackbyrds from 1973 to 1981.
3
From 1973, taught jazz at Rutgers and Howard universities.
4
Held a bachelor's degree in music from Wayne State University and a master's degree from Manhattan School of Music. Studied composition under Nadia Boulanger in France. In 1982, earned a PhD in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
5
[2000] Named a Jazz Master by the (US) National Endowment for the Arts.
6
Jazz trumpeter.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Grand Theft Auto V
2013
Video Game performer: "You and Music"
Diana
2013
writer: "Tanya"
Saints Row IV
2013
Video Game performer: "Oh Shit"
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
2006
Video Game performer: "Love Has Come Around"
Independent Lens
2006
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
Confidence
2003
performer: "House of the Rising Sun"
Very Bad Things
1998
writer: "Do It Fluid" 1973
How Stella Got Her Groove Back
1998
performer: "Mastablasta '98"
Stolen Moments.: Red Hot+Cool
1994
TV Movie documentary performer: "Time Is Moving On", "The Creator Has a Masterplan" / writer: "Time Is Moving On"
Ready to Wear
1994
performer: "BlackJack" / writer: "BlackJack" - as Donaldson Byrd
$2 Million
