Big Jay McNeely facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Jay McNeely
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| Birth name | Cecil James McNeely |
| Also known as | King of the Honkers |
| Born | April 29, 1927 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | September 16, 2018 (aged 91) Moreno Valley, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Tenor saxophone |
| Years active | Late 1940s–2018 |
| Labels |
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Cecil James "Big Jay" McNeely (born April 29, 1927 – died September 16, 2018) was an American rhythm and blues musician. He was famous for playing the saxophone. People knew him for his exciting and wild performances.
Contents
Big Jay McNeely's Life and Music
Early Career and First Hit
Big Jay McNeely was inspired by other great saxophone players like Illinois Jacquet. He started playing with his older brother, Robert McNeely, who played the baritone saxophone. They made their first recordings with drummer Johnny Otis. Johnny Otis ran a club called the Barrelhouse Club, which was near McNeely's home.
Soon after, a talent scout named Ralph Bass signed him to a record deal. Ralph's boss, Herman Lubinsky, suggested the stage name Big Jay McNeely. They thought "Cecil McNeely" didn't sound exciting enough for music. Big Jay's first big song was "The Deacon's Hop." This instrumental song became number one on the Billboard R&B music chart in early 1949.
Famous Performances and Style
Big Jay McNeely performed at a famous concert called the Cavalcade of Jazz in Los Angeles in 1949. He was known for his very energetic way of playing the saxophone, which people called "honking." This style made him very popular through the 1950s and early 1960s. He recorded music for many different record labels during this time.
He had another hit song in 1959 called "There Is Something on Your Mind." This song was a slower, more emotional tune, and it featured Little Sonny Warner singing.
Leaving Music and Coming Back
In 1971, Big Jay McNeely decided to stop making music. He took a job as a postman. But in the early 1980s, old-style rhythm and blues music became popular again. Because of this, McNeely left his job at the post office. He started touring and recording music full-time once more, often performing in other countries.
His original tenor saxophone is now kept in the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. He was also honored by being added to The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1989, Big Jay McNeely was performing in West Berlin with another musician, Detroit Gary Wiggins. This was the night the Berlin Wall came down! Some people even joked that their powerful saxophone playing helped bring the wall down.
Big Jay McNeely often performed at the International Boogie Woogie Festival in The Netherlands. He recorded an album called Party Time in 2009 with the festival's organizer, Martijn Schok.
Big Jay McNeely passed away on September 16, 2018, in Moreno Valley, California. He was 91 years old. He is remembered as one of the most exciting and flamboyant saxophone players of his time.
Discography Highlights
Big Jay McNeely released many albums throughout his long career. Here are a few of them:
- Big Jay McNeely (1954)
- A Rhythm and Blues Concert (1955)
- Big Jay McNeely in 3-D (1956)
- Live at Cisco's (1963)
- Blow the Wall Down (1990)
- Central Avenue Confidential (1999)
- Party Time (2009)
- Life Story (2012)
See also
In Spanish: Big Jay McNeely para niños
