Robert Stanley "Bobby" Donaldson (November 29, 1922, Boston – 1971) was an American jazz and R&B drummer.

After playing locally in the early 1940s, Donaldson played with Russell Procope while serving in the Army in New York City. In 1946–47 Donaldson worked with Cat Anderson, and following this played with Edmond Hall, Andy Kirk, Lucky Millinder, Buck Clayton, Red Norvo, and Sy Oliver/Louis Armstrong. He was a prolific session musician for much of the 1950s and 1960s, playing with Helen Merrill, Ruby Braff, Mel Powell, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Bobby Jaspar, Herbie Mann, André Hodeir, Kenny Burrell, Lonnie Johnson, Frank Wess, Willis Jackson, and Johnny Hodges.

Early in his career he played with the Boston Symphony.[1]

Discography

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As leader

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  • Dixieland New York (World Wide, 1958)
  • Dixieland Jazz Party (Savoy, 1959)
  • Jazz Unlimited (Jazz Unlimited 1961)

As sideman

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References

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  1. ^ "Bobby Donaldson Teaches Drums to Soupy Sales", The Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, volume 57, number 23, June 5, 1965, page 13. (subscription required)
  2. ^ Savoy Records discography Jazzdisco.org. Retrieved 24 June 2013.