Long overlooked despite his veteran status on tenor saxophone, Dick Hafer gained notable attention through the 1994 Fresh Sound album Prez Impressions, which paid homage to Lester Young. Beginning clarinet studies at the age of seven, he transitioned to tenor saxophone during high school years. His initial significant engagement came in 1949 with Charlie Barnet's bebop orchestra, where recorded solos highlighted him immediately upon joining. Subsequent stints included Claude Thornhill from 1949 to 1950, a short return to Barnet, and a period with Woody Herman spanning 1951 to 1955, during which his standout contribution appeared on "Wild Apple Honey." New York freelance work followed, encompassing performances alongside Tex Beneke in 1955, Bobby Hackett between 1957 and 1958, Elliott Lawrence from 1958 to 1960, and Benny Goodman in 1962, plus recordings involving Charles Mingus in 1963 and Johnny Hartman. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1974 brought consistent employment, yet he remained relatively unknown prior to the Fresh Sound project. Subsequently, Progressive issued his 1991 recording featuring the cool-toned tenor.
