Illinois Jacquet

This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Illinois Jacquet gained fame as a jazz saxophonist beginning his career with the Milton Larkin Band when Illinois was just 15. Four years later he recorded his signature solo on the song "Flying Home" while with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. The song's popularity opened the doors for him to perform as a soloist and travel throughout Europe. During the 1950s and 60s he was a sought-after sideman and recorded with Dexter Gordon, Kenny Burrell, Ben Webster, and his dear friend Roy Eldridge. 

Image courtesy of the Downbeat archives.