DON CLAUSON (tenor sax) — He is a consummate professional with a resume that rivals anyone playing today. He is the wonderful, mellow sax on "Skylark" and on many other tunes he is the main soloist. He is also one of the most modest musicians alive. He is Don Clauson, jazz tenor sax, and all around nice guy.
Don is a native St. Louisan. He received his first saxophone when he was 9, and by age 16 he was performing for pay and helping support his family. After graduating from Cleveland High School, he joined the Army Band and toured with them all over the United States. After returning home from the Army he played with Stan Kenton. In 1975, Don was named "Mr. Tenor Sax of Metro St. Louis" by the Jazz All-Stars Unlimited. He performed with other all-star jazz musicians around the metro area, giving fundraising performances for the promotion of modern jazz.
Don formed his own group, the Checkmates, and appeared with them until 1982, when he decided to join the Gateway City Big Band. But that was not the end of his performing with name bands. Over the years Don has appeared with the Jimmy Dorsey and Sammy Kaye bands on riverboat and ocean cruises several times a year. He has also appeared with other St. Louis groups, and is much in demand as a solo tenor saxophone player.
Don retired from his day job as an accountant with Missouri Pacific Railroad after being there 32 years. These days he can also be seen as a member of the Moolah Band with the Shriners. He is a Mason and member of Scottish Rite.
Don married his wife, Karen, in 1981. Between them they have 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. How glad we are, no matter how busy he is, he plays with us!
