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Big Jay McNeely

 


R&B saxophonist Cecil James “Big Jay” McNeely was born in Los Angeles, California on April 29, 1927 and first came to attention playing with the Johnny Otis band. Talent scout and record producer Ralph Bass signed him to Savoy Records. The “Big Jay” name was suggested by the boss of Savoy Records, Herman Lubinsky. In early 1949 his recording of “The Deacons Hop” was successful. That year he got into a fight with Lionel Hampton which made the news. In 1959 his “There is something on your mind” became a big hit and his signature song. In 1971 he gave up the music industry and became a postman. He returned to music and recording in the early 1980s.

Big Jay McNeely died from prostate cancer in Moreno Valley, California, on September 16, 2018.

Image: Electric Earl

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