Remembering the great Lou Donaldson who was born on this day in 1926. Known as “Sweet Poppa Lou” Donaldson was the final surviving member of the original Art Blakey quintet that in 1954 introduced “hard bop” into the growing jazz lineage of classification. He also stands as a pioneer of soul jazz, helping to shape the genre by merging bebop with blues, gospel, and R&B elements. Donaldson was known for his rich, soulful tone and groove-oriented sound, Donaldson made jazz more accessible and dance