Flying Home – 1949
Illinois Jacquet
An early kinescope from the Ed Sullivan Show
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Illinois Jacquet (1922-2004) became famous when he recorded “Flying Home” with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra in 1942, playing a two-chorus solo that led the way towards rhythm and blues.
Jacquet was a well-rounded tenor-saxophonist with a big sound who retained his popularity throughout his long career.
This rare kinescope from July 10, 1949 (the earliest film of Illinois Jacquet playing his hit) features the tenor reprising his famous solo (at least its first chorus) in a rousing version of “Flying Home.”
The trumpeter is his brother Russell Jacquet and the drummer is Jo Jones.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald