Jack McVea

USA, 1935–1970

American saxophonist (1914–2000), a pioneer of the West Coast jump-blues scene. After a stint in Lionel Hampton's band he led one of LA's first small jump combos and scored the 1947 craze 'Open the Door, Richard!', a proto-R&B novelty smash.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Jack McVea and 0 artists Jack McVea influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Jack McVea?

• Lionel Hampton — McVea spent three years as baritone saxophonist in Lionel Hampton's band — present on the seminal 'Flying Home' — before taking that hard-swinging, riff-driven energy into his own jump combo.
• Louis Jordan — McVea's small jump band stood alongside Louis Jordan's — Jordan's jukebox jump-blues was the model for the danceable, riffing R&B McVea made.