With somewhat obscure beginnings, the tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet (Illinois, 1922) broke with tremendous force in the jazz world in 1942 when he played with the band of vibraphonist, Lionel Hampton, the theme "Flyng Home". The extraordinary achieved only saxophone that was so spectacular that was the first time in jazz, that a single, would eventually become part of a musical arrangement, both when he was in Hampton's band, and when acted sideman for other musicians, especially during his collaboration with organist Milt Buckner.

Although born in Louisiana, Illinois Jacquet, is a typical example of the Texan saxophonist, and air ring markedly rich bluesy. His stage presence was always marked by his outgoing personality and

his attitude was a real showman. After his stay with Lionel Hampton was with Cab Calloway's orchestra (1943-1944) and later with the Count Basie (1944-1945) and also participated in the famous "Flirts Concert by the Jazz at the Philharmonic "in 1944 with the jazz greats of that time (Nat King Cole among others).

In the fifties, his constant touring and concerts within the organization of Norman Granz (Jazz at the Philharmonic) make him a sought-after musician and gives him the chance to appear in the 1944 film "Jammin 'the Blues", a short film director Gjon Mili on the lives of Lester Young. During the seventies and eighties his given activity ostracism shuts others subject to jazz music and musicians who mainly came from jazz. Despite all records in those years nearly a dozen albums with the labels: Black Lion, Black & Blue and Atlantic. In the late twentieth century, signing a contract with the label "Proper," which allows him to return to the recording studio. Illinois Jacquet, now living away from the stage.