Klaus Doldinger (; 12 May 1936 – 16 October 2025) was a German saxophonist known for his work in jazz and as a film music composer. He founded the group Passport in 1971; they played in different formations for decades and became successful internationally. Doldinger composed several filmscores, including Wolfgang Petersen's Das Boot (1981) and The NeverEnding Story (1984). He is known for writing the theme music of Tatort, running on television since 1970.

Life and career

Early life and work

Doldinger was born on 12 May 1936 in Berlin. The family moved to Vienna when he was age four; his mother moved with him and his brother to Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, where he heard jazz first at age nine, played by American soldiers. He heard his first jazz concert there with the Lionel Hampton big band in 1952. In addition to his studies, he played soprano saxophone in Düsseldorf bars, sometimes together with Günter Grass, They released their first LP in 1963, Jazz Made In Germany, with producer Siggi Loch, who became a friend for life. The band was also praised for their intimate interplay. They regularly performed live and toured continents such as Asia, Europe, and South America, averaging around 100 gigs a year. During the 1960s, he played tenor saxophone, while also visiting American jazz musicians and beat groups like Ian and the Zodiacs, and making recordings.

<!--The first true Passport album had strong ties to Amon Düül II, containing contributions from Olaf Kübler, Lothar Meid and Jimmy Jackson.-->The second setup of Passport included percussionist Curt Kress, Kristian Schultze for keyboards and bassist , successful on major tours to the US. Guests include Brian Auger (1973), Johnny Griffin (1973) and Pete York (1973). The band recorded more than 30 albums, and Doldinger composed over 2000 pieces.

Doldinger died on the evening of 16 October 2025 at his home in Icking at the age of 89, exactly 35 years after the death of jazz drummer Art Blakey; he had reportedly been suffering from "severely affected health" since 2023.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described him as "a living jazz legend, a creative spirit who always gives improvised music new and independent forms of expression, a composer and arranger who has worked with countless internationally leading jazz musicians, and a teacher and artist whose work has influenced improvised music for decades".

Writings

Awards

  • 1976: Deutscher Schallplattenpreis

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  • Passport
  • 2004 interview in Jazzdimensions (archived)