Illinois Jacquet was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who is best known for his influential tenor saxophone work, particularly on the track “Flying Home,” as well as his collaborations with numerous jazz luminaries throughout his career.
Personal and Family Life
Born on October 31, 1922, in Broussard, Louisiana, Illinois Jacquet grew up in a musical family. His mother, Marguerite Trahan, was a Sioux Indian, and his father, Gilbert Jacquet, was a French-Creole railroad worker and musician. He had five siblings, including Russell and Linton Jacquet. He was married twice, first to Barbara Potts, with whom he had one child, and later to Jacqueline Jacquet.
Career Highlights
Jacquet began performing at just three years old, impressing audiences with his tap dancing alongside his father’s band. He gained fame in the late 1930s and 1940s, becoming a key figure in the development of the jazz style known as ‘screeching.’ Throughout his eight-decade career, he played with renowned artists like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis, further solidifying his legacy in jazz music.
Death and Legacy
Illinois Jacquet passed away on July 22, 2004, in New York City due to a heart attack. He left behind a rich legacy, having been inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985. His contributions to jazz continue to influence musicians today, and his unique style remains celebrated among jazz enthusiasts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Jammin’ the Blues | 1944-05-05 | Self – on Tenor Sax |
| Stormy Weather | 1943-07-21 | Band Member (uncredited) |
| Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story | 2002-02-05 | Self (uncredited) |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Saxophone Player |
| Le Grand Échiquier | 1972-01-12 | Self |