Donaldson attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro in the early 1940s. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was trained at the Great Lakes bases in Chicago, where he was introduced to bop music in the lively club scene there. At the war's conclusion, he returned to Greensboro, where he worked club dates with the Rhythm Vets, a combo composed of A and T students who had served in the U.S. Navy. The band recorded the soundtrack to a musical comedy featurette, "Pitch a Boogie Woogie," in Greenville, North Carolina, in the summer of 1947. The movie had a limited run at black audience theatres in 1948 but its production company, Lord-Warner Pictures, folded and never made another film. "Pitch a Boogie Woogie" was subsequently restored by the American Film Institute in 1985 and re-premiered on the campus of East Carolina University in Greenville the following year. Donaldson and the surviving members of the Vets performed a reunion concert after the film's showing. In the documentary made on "Pitch" by UNC-TV, "Boogie in Black and White", Donaldson and his musical cohorts recall the film's making—he originally believed that he had played clarinet on the soundtrack. A short piece of concert footage from a gig in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is included in the documentary.
Donaldson's first jazz recordings were with the Charlie Singleton Orchestra in 1950 and then with bop emissaries Milt Jackson and Thelonious Monk in 1952, and he participated in several small groups with other jazz luminaries such as trumpeter Blue Mitchell, pianist Horace Silver and drummer Art Blakey.
In 1953, he also recorded sessions with the trumpet virtuoso Clifford Brown, and Philly Joe Jones.
He was a member of Art Blakey's Quintet and appeared on some of their best regarded albums, including the two albums recorded at Birdland in February 1954 Night at Birdland.
Donaldson has recorded in the bop, hard bop, and soul jazz genres. For many years his pianist was Herman Foster.
He was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame on October 11, 2012.
Who's Making Love?
Lou Donaldson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
while you're out on the road?
watch your nect door neighbor
The lyrics of Lou Donaldson's "Who's Making Love?" are speaking to a very common fear, that of infidelity. The singer is addressing a man who is out on the road, perhaps traveling for work or other reasons, and questioning who might be taking his place with his partner. The singer suggests to the man that he should keep a close eye on his neighbor, implying that perhaps someone close to him is the one who's betraying him. The tone of the song is both sympathetic to the man and slightly accusatory, as the singer seems to be hinting that the man might have some responsibility for the situation.
The song speaks to the universal human fear of losing someone to another, and the sense of vulnerability that comes with being away from home. The idea of watching one's neighbor plays into the idea of watching out for others, and the way that community members can protect one another from harm. Ultimately, the song encourages the man to be vigilant and maintain a sense of control over his own life, rather than letting others control him.
Line by Line Meaning
who's making love to your old lady
Who is having sexual relations with your significant other
while you’re out on the road?
During the time when you are away and inaccessible
watch your next door neighbor
Be cautious of the people who live near you, as they may be involved in the affair
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BETTYE JEAN BARNES CRUTCHER, DONALD DAVIS, HOMER BANKS, RAYMOND E. JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tselangoeramothibe5340
The best music for me thanks
@Wally-H
Typical of Lou's sense of humour. Brilliant track
@rwyatt26
This Lou Donaldson album “Hot Dog” has some gems on it.
I see why him, Grant Green, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Bobbi Humphrey and Donald Byrd are the most sampled artists out of the Blue Note catalog!!! All these artists have used the legendary drummer Idris Muhammad (Leo Morris) on their recording sessions!!
@devone730
A Tribe Called Quest-Hot Sex On The Platter, One Of The Meanest Chops Ever, R.I.P. Phife Dawg, We All As Fans Love You, Gone But Never Forgotten!
@vincentthomas9817
Marley Marl and Craig G. Dropping science
@deanmiles-smith
I would love this and I know that universal Audio do great products. I have just never been able to afford one. Hopefully, the UA fairy will shine down on me today.
@taramsm
A bottle of wine and tasty cheese is keeping me in company while I'm grooving in my apartment totally alone. Life!!
@djkaneck1
"I'm droppin' science", Craig G and Marley Mal
@maazvdo
So much good !!!! Who's Making Love - Lou Donaldson
Thanks for posting,
RiqGz
@thijsschipper8879
love this :)