Don Patterson

Inspired to change from piano to organ by Jimmy Smith, Don Patterson was among the Hammond B-3’s most bop-rooted players, in a position to enjoy bluesy soul-jazz grooves or use from the pocket for a few nimble, sharply described single lines. Though he led many recording schedules for Prestige and afterwards Muse, he was best-known as Sonny Stitt’s preferred organist, demonstrating eminently appropriate for the Parker-influenced saxophonist. Patterson was created in Columbus, OH, on July 22, 1936, and began monitoring piano as a kid. His first main impact was Erroll Garner, plus some of that taste continued to be in his playing also after he noticed Jimmy Smith in 1956 and transformed instruments. Patterson produced his professional debut over the body organ in 1959, and used several groupings before Stitt uncovered him. The association helped make Patterson’s name, and he started documenting for Prestige in 1964, frequently using a trio offering guitarist Pat Martino and drummer Billy Adam. Patterson also used numerous various other soul-jazz sax greats during the period of the ’60s, before settling in Gary, IN, toward the finish of the 10 years. Drug cravings curtailed his documenting activities relatively, as just a few sporadic periods for Muse made an appearance through the ’70s. He do revive his profession somewhat after shifting to Philadelphia, but his wellness worsened, forcing him to consider dialysis often; he passed away on Feb 10, 1988.