Donald Byrd

Donald Byrd
Donald Byrd
	Byrd in 1964
Background information
Born	Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II; December 9, 1932; Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Died	February 4, 2013 (aged 80); Dover, Delaware, U.S.
Genres	Jazz; jazz fusion; crossover jazz;
Occupations	Musician, composer, vocalist
Instruments	Trumpet; flugelhorn; vocals;
Years active	1954–2013
Labels	Blue Note; Prestige; Verve; Columbia; Transition;
Education	Wayne State University (B.A.); Manhattan School of Music;

Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II (December 9, 1932 – February 4, 2013) was an American jazz and rhythm & blues trumpeter, composer and vocalist. A sideman for many other jazz musicians of his generation, Byrd was one of the few hard bop musicians who successfully explored funk and soul while remaining a jazz artist. As a bandleader, Byrd was an influence on the early career of Herbie Hancock and many others.