Mark VI Alto Saxophone
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mark VI Alto Saxophone
- Artist: Henri Selmer (Paris)
- Artist: Louis Jordan (American, Brinkley, Alaska 1908–1975 Los Angeles, California)
- Date: ca. 1954
- Geography: Elkhart, Indiana, United States
- Medium: Brass, metal, cork, felt, leather, mother-of-pearl
- Dimensions: Length: 25 in. (63.5 cm)
Width: 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Weight: 4-5 lbs. (1.8 - 2.3 kg) - Classification: Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-single reed conical
- Credit Line: Collection of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Gift of Martha Jordan
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments