Klaus Doldinger (born May 12, 1936) is a German jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, best known for his work in jazz fusion and film music. Born in Berlin, he studied clarinet and piano before switching to the saxophone, eventually becoming one of Germany’s most influential jazz musicians.
In the 1960s, Doldinger gained recognition with his jazz group The Klaus Doldinger Quartet, blending traditional and modern jazz influences. In 1971, he founded Passport, a pioneering jazz-rock fusion band that became one of Europe’s most successful jazz ensembles, earning comparisons to Weather Report.
Doldinger is also celebrated for his film and television scores. His most famous compositions include the theme for the German TV series Tatort, as well as the soundtracks for Das Boot (1981) and The NeverEnding Story (1984), both of which gained international acclaim.
With a career spanning over six decades, Doldinger has remained a major figure in European jazz, collaborating with artists across genres. His ability to blend jazz, rock, and electronic elements has made him a highly respected and influential musician.
13 recordings by Klaus Doldinger you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
Atreju Meets Falkor (from “The Never Ending Story”) • Das Boot • Dolce Negresco • Ein Fall Für Zwei (A Case For Two) • Flight On The Lucky Dragon (from ‘The Never Ending Story’) • Flug In Die Hölle (Flight Into Hell) • Memory (Erinnerung) (from ‘Das Boot’) • Movie Theme • Tatort • The Auryn (from “The Never Ending Story”) • The Never Ending Story • Theme Of Sadness (from “The Never Ending Story”) • Waldhaus
