Don Patterson, born on July 22, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, was an acclaimed American jazz organist. He played the piano from childhood, with a strong influence from Erroll Garner. Patterson’s transition to the organ occurred in 1956 after being inspired by Jimmy Smith.

In the early 1960s, Patterson began playing regularly with saxophonist Sonny Stitt and started releasing music as a bandleader on Prestige Records from 1964. He collaborated with musicians like Pat Martino and Billy James. His album “Holiday Soul” (1964) achieved commercial success, reaching number 85 on the Billboard 200 in 1967.

Unfortunately, Patterson’s career was marred by struggles with drug addiction in the 1970s, leading to a period of reduced activity and occasional recordings for Muse Records. He moved to Philadelphia in the 1980s and attempted a comeback, but his health declined over the decade. Don Patterson passed away on February 10, 1988, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania