Don Wise
| Don Wise | |
|---|---|
Don Wise performing in Notodden, Norway, 2005
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Donald Grover Wise |
| Born |
March 24, 1942 Westerly, Rhode Island, United States |
| Genres | Rhythm and blues, swing, country, rock 'n' roll |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, music producer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, vocals |
| Years active | 1957–present |
| Labels | Horn O' Copia Recordings |
| Associated acts | Delbert McClinton, Marcia Ball, Ray Charles, Joe Ely, Bugs Henderson, Big Joe Maher |
| Website | donwise |
Donald Grover "Don" Wise (born March 24, 1942 in Westerly, Rhode Island) is an American tenor saxophonist, songwriter, and music producer. He gained attention as reliable sideman of the singer-songwriter Delbert McClinton from Lubbock, Texas, for more than 20 years. Wise played with many artists and in venues all over the globe in his more than 50-year musical career. He released four CDs under his own name before officially retiring from the music business in 2008, in order to devote himself more to his private life. His passions outside of music include gardening, cooking, and painting.
Wise is married and lives with his family in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States.
At the beginning of his musical life cycle Wise learned to play clarinet. At age 12 he moved to the saxophone, initially alto sax and a year later settled on the tenor sax. He was inspired by the rhythm and blues of the 1950s; however, he also played country, swing, and big band music. He joined his first band in 1957. It was at the birth of rock 'n' roll, and they called themselves the Rhythm Rockers. Early saxophone influences were Red Prysock, Sam "The Man" Taylor, Earl Bostic, David "Fathead" Newman, and a little later, King Curtis, Sam Butera, and Junior Walker. With these musical inspirations, over the years he developed his versatility and his own signature sound and became a sought-after session musician.
...
Wikipedia