Lester Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and occasional clarinetist. Raised in New Orleans, he played in the Young Family Band and moved with his family to Minneapolis in 1919. He joined Walter Page's Blue Devils, eventually settling in Kansas City. There, he coming to prominence as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra. Young was one of the most influential saxophonists in an era when the saxophone was king.  In contrast to many of his hard-driving peers, Young played with a relaxed, cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies - a style which has influenced several generations of players.  His troubled life was cut short by alcoholism, but Charles Mingus' brilliant composition Goodbye Pork-Pie Hat is a lasting tribute known to jazzers everywhere.