Sep 24, 2024 12:02 PM
In Memoriam: Benny Golson, 1929–2024
Benny Golson, one of the greatest composers and saxophonists of the bebop era, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, at his…
Illinois Jacquet, the tenor saxophonist who is best known for his solo on Lionel Hampton’s “Flying Home,” died Thursday at his New York City home. He was 81.
Jacquet wrote his signature on jazz immortality in 1942 when, as a 19-year-old member of Lionel Hampton’s big band, he a took an incredible solo on Hampton’s “Flying Home.” He virtually built a career on that solo, which he claims came from divine inspiration, which ranks as one of the best improvisational performances in the 20th century.
Born in Boussard, La., on Oct. 31, 1922, Jacquet grow up in Houston, where he played in a band with his older brother, Russell, and worked in several bands around town before moving to Los Angeles in 1941. In L.A., he joined Hampton’s big band. His raw-boned tenor sound combined r&b bravado and jazz sophistication. He performed in the Jazz At The Philahramoic series, appeared in the jazz documentary, Jammin’ The Blues and in 1945 formed his own band. From the ‘50s to the present, Jacquet has recorded for many labels including Savoy, RCA, Mercury, Epic and Atlantic.
Into the ‘90s, Jacquet led one of the swingingest big bands on the scene still performing with the intensity that marked his ascendancy more than 50 ago.
Sep 24, 2024 12:02 PM
Benny Golson, one of the greatest composers and saxophonists of the bebop era, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, at his…
Oct 23, 2024 10:10 AM
Claire Daly often signed her correspondences with “Love and Low Notes.”
The baritone saxophonist, who died Oct.…
Sep 17, 2024 11:40 AM
The 18th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival will be held on 13 unique stages across Chicago’s Hyde Park, Kenwood and…
Oct 2, 2024 11:35 AM
John McNeil, a trumpeter, composer and educator who built an accomplished and progressive career in jazz despite a…
Sep 4, 2024 1:29 PM
“To get this honor at this late stage, I suppose I’m blessed. I just know that this is a sacred song, and I’m in…