Frank Morgan (musician)

Frank Morgan (b. December 23 1933, Minneapolis, Minnesota - December 14, 2007) was a jazz saxophonist with a career spanning more than 50 years.

He mainly played alto saxophone but also played soprano saxophone. During the 1950s he was known as a Charlie Parker protege and recorded several bebop albums.

Father was a guitarist with the vocal group the Ink Spots. Frank was playing guitar until seven when taken to see Charlie Parker play. Charlie suggested starting with Clarinet which he did for two years before switching to sax. Moved to California at age of 14. Started taking heroin at 17. Which he subsequently became addicted to and ended up spending time in Californian prisons. Formed a small ensemble at San Quentin prison in the 1960s with another addict and sax player, Art Pepper.

Source Marian McParland interview with Frank Morgan.

In 1985 he started recording again, releasing "Easy Living" in June 1985. He suffered a stroke in 1998, but subsequently recovered and recorded additional albums.

Discography

* "Night in the Life" (2007)
* "Reflections" (2006)
* "Raising the Standard" (2005)
* "City Nights" (2004)
* "Bop" (with Rodney Kendrick) (1997)
* "Love, Lost and Found" (1995)
* "Mood Indigo" (1989)
* "Listen to the Dawn" (1994)
* "You Must Believe In Spring" (1992)
* "A Lovesome Thing" (1991)
* "Yardbird Suite" (1988)
* "Major Changes" (1987)
* "Lament" (1987)
* "Double Image" (with George Cables) (1986)
* "Easy Living" (1985)
* "Frank Morgan" (1955)

Referencess

* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=14339 All About Jazz interview]
* [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DEFD81F3DF930A35756C0A961948260 "New York Times" review]