Ian McDonald (musician)

Ian McDonald (25 June 1946 – 9 February 2022) was an English multi-instrumentalist, best known as a founding member of both King Crimson and Foreigner.

McDonald was a skilled woodwind player, proficient on saxophone, flute, and clarinet, as well as a guitarist and keyboardist. His diverse musical background contributed significantly to King Crimson's distinctive sound on their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King (1969). He co-wrote much of the album's material, playing saxophone, flute, mellotron, and vocals.

Following his departure from King Crimson, McDonald formed the band McDonald and Giles with fellow ex-Crimson member Michael Giles. They released one self-titled album in 1970. He subsequently worked as a session musician, contributing to albums by artists such as T. Rex.

In the mid-1970s, McDonald co-founded the band Foreigner with Mick Jones. He played guitar, keyboards, and saxophone on their first three albums: Foreigner (1977), Double Vision (1978), and Head Games (1979), contributing significantly to their commercially successful hard rock sound. Internal tensions and creative differences led to his departure from Foreigner in 1980.

After leaving Foreigner, McDonald continued to work as a session musician and producer. He also participated in various King Crimson-related projects and performances throughout his career. In his later years, he performed with his own band, often featuring material from his time with King Crimson and Foreigner. He died in 2022 from cancer.