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Big Jay McNeely

Cecil James McNeely, known professionally as Big Jay McNeely, was born on April 29, 1927, in Los Angeles, California. He began his career as a saxophonist, inspired by Illinois Jacquet and Lester Young. McNeely's first recordings were made with drummer Johnny Otis at the Barrelhouse Club. In early 1949, he scored his first hit with "The Deacon's Hop", which topped the Billboard R&B chart. This success led to a recording contract with Savoy Records under the stage name Big Jay McNeely. McNeely performed at notable events such as the fifth Cavalcade of Jazz concert in 1949 and the ...