Big Jay McNeely and Band were influential figures in the post-war R&B scene, known for their energetic and flamboyant performances. Led by saxophonist Cecil James "Big Jay" McNeely, the band's style was characterized by honking tenor sax solos, a signature of the jump blues era. McNeely's performance style was also groundbreaking, as he was one of the first musicians to incorporate physical theatrics, often playing on his back or while walking through the crowd. Among his most influential works is the 1949 hit "Deacon's Hop," which topped the Billboard R&B chart.