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On the schedule

Big Jay Tour Dates & Tickets

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Inside the performance

Sound, stage & company

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Meet Big Jay, the Watts-born powerhouse who legendary reshaped West Coast jump blues with a signature honk-driven sax approach. Dubbed the King of the Honkers, he brought high-energy improvisation to the stage, turning every performance into a memorable experience. Though he passed in 2018 in Moreno Valley, California, his influence lives on through classic recordings and posthumous releases that continue to inspire blues fans and players alike.

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

On the road approach: we’ve got you covered for reliable, no-fuss access to Big Jay’s legacy showings and any upcoming tour dates. Whether you’re a longtime aficionado or new to the scene, secure your seats with us and relive the golden era of jump blues on the West Coast.

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Big Jay’s career highlights honor a rich history of blues innovation. His early hit The Deacon's Hop (1949) topped the Billboard R&B chart, while There’s Something On Your Mind (Part 1) (released 1959) climbed to No. 5 on the R&B chart and reached No. 42 on the Hot 100. Recognized with a Durfee Foundation Master Musician Fellowship in 1997, he left a lasting mark on the genre. Posthumous releases from Cleopatra/ Cleopatra Blues—such as I’m Still Here (2018), Honkin’ & Jivin’ at the Palomino (2017), and Blowin’ Down the House (2016)—preserve his legacy for new audiences.

The live experience

What reaches the room

For fans seeking authentic Big Jay experience, follow official channels and fan sites linked below, including Bandcamp pages and legacy social media. We’ll help you navigate upcoming tour information and secure your seats for authentic, hands-on blues performances across venues and cities.

Artist note

A sourced detail

Remember: dates and availability can vary. If you’re looking for a Big Jay show, Date to be announced or RESCHEDULED from original_date updates will be clearly indicated on the event page. We’re here to guide you to the best, most reliable tickets in your city.

The essentials

Quick Facts About Big Jay

  • Alias: King of the Honkers; birthplace Watts, Los Angeles; died Moreno Valley, California, 2018.
  • Style: Jump blues / West Coast blues with high-energy, on-stage improvisation and a signature honk-driven sax approach.
  • Signature hits include The Deacon's Hop (1949) which topped the Billboard R&B chart, and There's Something On Your Mind (Part 1/1957; released 1959) which reached No. 5 on the R&B chart and No. 42 on the Hot 100.
  • Major awards/recognitions include a Durfee Foundation Master Musician Fellowship (1997).
  • Selected posthumous releases on Cleopatra/ Cleopatra Blues label, including I’m Still Here (2018), Honkin’ & Jivin’ at the Palomino (2017), and Blowin’ Down the House (2016).
  • Official footprint for fans includes an artist site and Bandcamp pages; social/media presence is limited to historical/legacy channels.

The records

Big Jay Discography

  • I’m Still Here – Big Jay Sings the Blues
    2018 · Cleopatra Records (CLO1083DA)
  • Honkin' & Jivin' at the Palomino
    2017 · Cleopatra Records
  • Blowin' Down the House
    2016 · Cleopatra Blues
  • Central Avenue Confidential
    1999 · Atomic Theory
  • Crazy
    1997 · Saxophile
  • Fool for the Ladies
    1996 · Saxophile
  • Nervous
    1995 · Saxophile
  • Blues at Daybreak
    1993 · Cleopatra (with Christian Rannenberg)
  • Live at Birdland, 1957
    1992 · Collectables
  • Swingin'
    1984 · Collectables
  • Live at Cisco's
    1963 · Warner Bros.
  • Big Jay McNeely in 3-D
    1956 · Federal
  • A Rhythm and Blues Concert
    1955 · Savoy
  • Big Jay McNeely
    1954 · Federal

The hits

Top Big Jay Songs

  • There Is Something On Your Mind
    1959 · R&B No. 5; Hot 100 No. 42
  • The Deacon's Hop
    1949 · R&B No. 1

Big Jay’s career highlights honor a rich history of blues innovation. His early hit The Deacon's Hop (1949) topped the Billboard R&B chart, while There’s Something On Your Mind (Part 1) (released 1959) climbed to No. 5 on the R&B chart and reached No. 42 on the Hot 100. Recognized with a Durfee Foundation Master Musician Fellowship in 1997, he left a lasting mark on the genre. Posthumous releases from Cleopatra/ Cleopatra Blues—such as I’m Still Here (2018), Honkin’ & Jivin’ at the Palomino (2017), and Blowin’ Down the House (2016)—preserve his legacy for new audiences.

For fans seeking authentic Big Jay experience, follow official channels and fan sites linked below, including Bandcamp pages and legacy social media. We’ll help you navigate upcoming tour information and secure your seats for authentic, hands-on blues performances across venues and cities.

Remember: dates and availability can vary. If you’re looking for a Big Jay show, Date to be announced or RESCHEDULED from original_date updates will be clearly indicated on the event page. We’re here to guide you to the best, most reliable tickets in your city.

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