Don East

Talk to most players who knew or worked with pianist Don East and you’ll get the same response – he was a musician’s musician.

“He was harmonically advanced,” said Susie Miget. “His arranging skills were incredible,” commented Mel Hrubitz. “And then he had this vibes thing going for him,” added Stu Calhoon.

Born and raised in Des Moines, Don played all of the clubs in the area. His groups included the best players around and when he wasn’t the leader, Don was a sought after accompanist for many greats who were traveling through Iowa.

An original member of the Des Moines Big Band, Don’s arrangements can still be found in the band’s book.

Don passed away in 1984