Germany's King of Jazz - Klaus Doldinger is dead - Jazz Legend Klaus Doldinger Dies at 89, Leaving Indelible Mark on German Music
German cultural icon and jazz legend Klaus Doldinger has passed away peacefully at home, aged 89. The musician, best known for composing the 'Tatort' theme and founding the influential jazz-fusion band Passport, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in both German jazz and film music.
Doldinger began his career in the early 1950s with The Feetwarmers, a Dixie band. He later formed The Oskar's Trio before starting Motherhood in 1969 and Passport in 1971. Passport became a pivotal force in German jazz, performing over 5,000 times in nearly 50 years. The band's album 'The First Fifty Years of Passport' was released in 2021 to mark their 50th anniversary.
Doldinger's collaborations were extensive, working with Udo Lindenberg and contributing to numerous films and TV shows. His compositions include the scores for 'Das Boot', 'The Neverending Story', 'Salt on My Skin', and 'Liebling Kreuzberg'. In 1960, he was awarded the honorary citizenship of New Orleans after touring the US.
Klaus Doldinger's impact on German jazz and film music is immeasurable. His passing is a significant loss to the cultural scene, but his music and legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
