McDonald was born in 1946 in London. In 1968, he formed the band King Crimson with other musicians, including Greg Lake and Robert Fripp. On the band’s debut album In the Court of the Crimson King in 1969, he played several instruments, including saxophone, flute and vibraphone. This record is still considered one of the most important in the development of rock music.
–
McDonald left the band after the release of their first album. He briefly returned to the band before Fripp disbanded him in 1974.
–
In 1976, McDonald formed the band Foreigner with British guitarist Mick Jones and American singer Lou Gramm. He played on three of her albums, which all reached the US Top 10 and brought hits like Cold as Ice and Feels Like the First Time. In 1980, Jones fired him from the band.
–
“Ian was an amazing composer and multi-instrumentalist,” said Steve Genett, a former Genesis guitarist. “I’ve always admired his solo work and everything he did with Crimson and Foreigner, among others,” he added.
—
