Steve Douglas (saxophonist)

Steve Douglas (born Steven Douglas Kreisman; September 24, 1938 – April 19, 1993) was an American saxophonist and flautist. As a Los Angeles session musician, he worked with Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and Ry Cooder.

Steve Douglas
Birth nameSteven Douglas Kreisman
Born(1938-09-24)September 24, 1938
Los Angeles, California
DiedApril 19, 1993(1993-04-19) (aged 54)
Los Angeles, California
Occupation(s)Session musician
InstrumentsSaxophone, flute, woodwinds
Associated acts

Biography

Douglas can be heard on records by Duane Eddy, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Willy DeVille, Bob Dylan, The Ramones and many others. He was also a record producer, having produced Mink DeVille's Le Chat Bleu, as well as tracks for Wayne Newton and The Lettermen.[1]

On April 19, 1993, while warming up with Ry Cooder, Steve Douglas collapsed and died. Heart Failure was the official cause of death. He was 54.[2]

It became a tradition for Darlene Love to perform "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" for Christmas on the Late Show with David Letterman with Douglas's sax from the original recording being played by Bruce Kapler.[3] This tradition continued through December 19, 2014, when it had been announced that Letterman would be retiring in May, 2015.

Awards

In 2003, Douglas was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Selected discography

As leader
  • Twist with Steve Douglas and the Rebels, 1962
  • Hot Sax, 1990

As sideman

References
  1. Michael Bennett (30 September 1972). "Western Canada:Activity abounds on all fronts". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.: 48–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  2. "Steve Douglas Is Dead; Rock Saxophonist, 55". The New York Times. 22 April 1993.
  3. Liebenson, Donald (22 December 2011). "A Letterman Christmas: It's the Most Wonderful Night of the Year". The Huffington Post.
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