Illinois Jacquet

Saxophonist

Birthday October 31, 1922

Birth Sign Scorpio

Birthplace Broussard, LA

DEATH DATE Jul 22, 2004 (81)

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About

Tenor saxophonist who is recognized for his role in the song "Flying Home," which featured the first R&B saxophone solo. He was also one of the few jazz artists to play the bassoon.

Before Fame

He performed alto saxophone in his father's band as a child, played with the Milton Larkin Orchestra at the age of fifteen, and then moved to Los Angeles where he met Nat King Cole.

Trivia

He started a band with his brother and Charles Mingus in 1944.

Family Life

He was raised in a musical family; his father was a bandleader, his brother Russell played trumpet, and his other brother Linton was a drummer.

Associated With

He was in Jammin' the Blues with Lester Young, a film that was nominated for an Academy Award.