Lou Donaldson, an alto saxophonist with a supple, earthy style who was a key figure in the development of three styles of jazz from the 1940s to the 1960s and sustained a career for almost seven decades,

Donaldson enjoyed several hits, including covers of "Ode to Billie Joe" and "It's Your Thing" Lou Donaldson, acclaimed jazz alto saxophonist, died over the weekend according to a statement from his family.

A player of impeccable technique and a mainstay of the Blue Note label, he recorded constantly as both a leader and a sideman beginning in 1952.