Cecil James McNeely (April 29, 1927 – September 16, 2018), better known as Big Jay McNeely, was an American rhythm and blues saxophonist. He was credited with being the most flamboyant performer out of the saxophone honkers. His wailing tenor saxophone and outrageous stage antics helped define the sound and sensibility of early rock ’n’ roll,
McNeely started playing in bands in high school, including a trio with the alto saxophonist Sonny Criss and the pianist Hampton Hawes, both of whom would distinguish themselves as jazz musicians.
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After Mr. McNeely’s unhinged appearance in an amateur night at a club in Watts, Johnny Otis, the renowned bandleader and talent scout, persuaded him to join his ensemble. Mr. Otis was then under contract to Savoy Records, whose owner, Herman Lubinsky, christened Mr. McNeely “Big Jay,” not because of his size — he was 5-foot-10 and of average build — but because of his outsize talent.
He teamed with his older brother Robert McNeely, who played baritone saxophone, and made his first recordings with Otis, who ran the Barrelhouse Club that stood only a few blocks from McNeely's home. Shortly after he performed on Otis's "Barrel House Stomp." Ralph Bass, A&R man for Savoy Records, promptly signed him to a recording contract. McNeely's first hit was "The Deacon's Hop,” an instrumental which topped the Billboard R&B chart in early 1949.
Big Jay McNeely performed for the famed fifth Cavalcade of Jazz concert held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles produced by Leon Hefflin, Sr. on July 10, 1949. It was at this concert that McNeely and Lionel Hampton got into a showdown that resulted in pillows being thrown along with other items. His recording of "Blow Big Jay Blow" catapulted him into National prominence. McNeely and
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his Orchestra would come back to Los Angeles, to perform at the eleventh Cavalcade of Jazz on July 24, 1955 along with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra. The Medallions, The Penguins and James Moody would also be featured that same day.
his Orchestra would come back to Los Angeles, to perform at the eleventh Cavalcade of Jazz on July 24, 1955 along with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra. The Medallions, The Penguins and James Moody would also be featured that same day.Best known for his acrobatics and daring in performance, Mr. McNeely whipped up crowds by reeling off rapid sequences of screaming notes while lying on his back and kicking his legs in the air. Other times he would jump down off the stage and blow his horn while strutting his way through the audience.
Big Jay married the singer, Jackie Day (Jacqueline Baldain) on April 4th 1960. They recorded and toured together for many years. At the time, rhythm and blues was being eclipsed by smoother sounds from Motown and elsewhere, and the ’60s rock culture would soon prize the electric guitar over the saxophone. In 1971, Big Jay and Jackie both retired from the industry. Big Jay gave up the late nights of the music business for the early mornings of being a postman, and Jackie went on to do security and police work.
A devout Jehovah Witness, Big Jay died in the Riverside University Health System Medical Centre, Moreno Valley, California on September 16, 2018 of prostate cancer, at the age of 91.
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His original tenor sax is enshrined in the Experience Music Project in Seattle, and he was inducted into The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
His original tenor sax is enshrined in the Experience Music Project in Seattle, and he was inducted into The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
(Edited mainly from Wikipedia & the New York Times)
Here’s a clip of Big Jay McNeely performing "Deacon's Hop" with The Crown Vics. Mayne Stage in Chicago, IL. May 2012.