Klaus Doldinger, born Klaus Erich Dieter Doldinger on May 12, 1936, in Berlin, Germany, is a renowned German jazz saxophonist and composer, celebrated for his contributions to both jazz and film music. Doldinger's musical journey began at a young age when he entered a conservatory in Düsseldorf in 1947, initially studying piano and clarinet, and graduated in 1957. His early professional experience included performing with the German Dixieland band The Feetwarmers in 1953 and founding Oscar's Trio in 1955, inspired by Oscar Peterson.

In the 1960s, Doldinger established himself as a tenor saxophonist, collaborating with American jazz musicians and Beat groups like Ian and the Zodiacs. In 1971, he launched his influential jazz project, Passport, which became successful in Germany and was often compared to Weather Report in its impact.

Doldinger is also acclaimed for his work as a film composer, notably scoring the German U-boat film "Das Boot" (1981) and "The NeverEnding Story" (1984), both directed by Wolfgang Petersen, with whom he frequently collaborated. Additionally, he composed the theme for the long-running German-Austrian-Swiss TV series "Tatort."

Doldinger's personal life includes his marriage to Inge Beck in 1960, with whom he has three children. Since 1968, the family has resided in Icking, Bavaria. In 2022, he published his autobiography, "Made in Germany." Throughout his career, Doldinger has been recognized for his contributions to music, including receiving the Bavarian Film Awards in 1997.