Donald Arthur Rader, born on October 21, 1935, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished American jazz trumpeter. He began playing the trumpet at the age of five under the guidance of his father. Rader's formal music education included studies at Sam Houston State Teachers College and the US Naval School of Music. His professional career took off in the 1950s when he served in the Navy band.

Rader's career was marked by collaborations with some of the most renowned big bands and jazz musicians. He played and arranged for Woody Herman from 1959 to 1961, Maynard Ferguson from 1961 to 1963, and Count Basie from 1963 to 1964. He also worked with Louie Bellson, Harry James, Terry Gibbs, Frank Foster, and Henry Mancini. From 1967 to 1972, he toured with Les Brown and became a featured soloist in Stan Kenton's band, where he also taught at Kenton's jazz workshops.

In 1972, Rader formed his own quintet in Los Angeles and became a sought-after freelance musician on the West Coast. His discography as a leader includes albums such as "Polluted Tears" (1973), "Now" (1976), and "Wallflower" (1978). He was also an active educator, lecturing in trumpet improvisation and contributing to jazz education journals.

Rader's career extended internationally when he moved to Germany in 1983 to join Erwin Lehn's radio band and worked with several European musicians. He returned to Los Angeles in 1985 and continued to freelance, working with artists like Benny Carter and Bill Holman. In 1994, Rader relocated to Australia, where he continued to perform, record, and teach.

Throughout his career, Rader toured with legendary artists such as Della Reese, Sarah Vaughan, Andy Williams, Diana Ross, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lewis. His contributions to jazz were recognized through his performances and educational efforts until his passing on April 18, 2023, at the age of 87.