Saxophonist
Born in Louisville, KY and then living in the Nashville area for some time, Woodie was exposed to some of the most musical surroundings anyone could ask for, both performing and recording.
As a teenager, he first began performing with his school band-director George Randolph Offitt’s orchestra, playing saxophone and bass guitar. Later, after being recruited by Trumpeter/Songwriter Harold Gilbert, Woodie worked as the Bassist with “The Fantastic Dukes”, and recorded behind the R&B vocal groups, “The Poodles” on their Southern City Records release “Step By Step” / “I Got A Good Thing (When I Got You)” (Southern City 1111/1112) and The Paramount Four “You Don’t Know (Till It Happens To You)” / “I’ve Made Up My Mind” (Southern City 1114 / 1115).
A student of the late “Legendary Pioneer of Jazz”, Clarinetist, Alvin Batiste, Woodie graduated from the Jazz Institute at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. While in Baton Rouge, Woodie was a member of the popular R&B show group, “The 13th Amendment Band”. Opening for Stevie Wonder in Baton Rouge and on the road, backed such notables as Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Rufus Thomas, The Chi-Lites, Syl Johnson, Johnny Adams and others. Serving in the U.S. Army, Woodie attended the U.S. Naval School of Music-Army Element and performed in the U.S. Army Band.
After leaving Baton Rouge, Woodie performed throughout the U.S. and South America before moving to San Jose, CA and then working with Trumpeter Eddie Gale and Flutist/Bassoonist Butler (Mr. B) Long.
SPIRITsgj (sgj for Smooth Gospel Jazz) featuring Woodie Douglas on Saxophone was first established in San Jose, CA by its founder, Woodie Douglas. Comprised of some of the finest musicians from Southern California’s Inland Empire, SPIRITsgj has created a sound of Smooth Gospel Jazz that will minister and sooth your spirit.
He’s performed at the Berkeley Jazz Festival, Kuumba Jazz Center, New Orleans Jazz Festival, Super Bowl Halftime Show, Kentucky Derby, Evergreen Jazz Festival, El Hatillo Music Festival, IE Jazz/R&B Festival, and numerous other venues during his career… and now living in California.
Educator
A Private Music Instructor for over 20 years, Woodie teaches with the influences of his own past instructors.
—— “The Joy of Music Can Last A Lifetime” —— Woodie Douglas