On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Mark VI Alto Saxophone
Henri Selmer French
Louis Jordan American
Not on view
Louis Jordan was a charismatic saxophonist and bandleader who pioneered the “jump blues” style with his rhythm-driven combo, the Tympany Five, and was known as “King of the Jukebox” for his success with both black and white audiences at a time when the music industry was segregated. His 1949 single “Saturday Night Fish Fry,” with its rapidly spoke-sung lyrics and driving rhythm-section riffs, is considered one of the earliest rock and roll songs. The saxophone was an important lead instrument in early rock and roll, and Jordan used this top-of-the-line Selmer Mark VI during the height of his career. Jordan’s music influenced many later artists, including Chuck Berry.
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