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Frank Foster was an American tenor and soprano saxophonist, flautist, arranger, bandleader, and composer, born on September 23, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He passed away on July 26, 2011, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Foster studied at Wilberforce University, where he distinguished himself as the best soloist and principal arranger of the school orchestra. He made his debut in Detroit with Snooky Young and later performed at the Bluebird Inn alongside notable musicians such as Wardell Gray and Milton Jackson, as well as Kenny Burrell, Tommy Flanagan, and Barry Harris. During his military service, Foster was awarded a silver medal but went AWOL to San Francisco to play with Dexter Gordon. After his discharge, he joined the big band led by Billy Eckstine and played in Elvin Jones' band in Detroit, also collaborating with Thelonious Monk. In July 1953, he joined Count Basie and remained with the band until 1964, significantly contributing as a composer and arranger. Following his time with Basie, he joined Woody Herman and worked as a freelancer while also dedicating time to teaching. Foster played with Lionel Hampton in 1967 and founded a big band with Duke Pearson, later working with Illinois Jacquet in 1968 and Ted Jones/Mel Lewis. He led several of his own groups, such as “The Loud Majority,” touring Europe and Japan. He collaborated with Billy Mey

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