Klaus Doldinger

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 a