Jack McVea (November 5, 1914 – December 27, 2000) was an American swing, bl… Read Full Bio ↴Jack McVea (November 5, 1914 – December 27, 2000) was an American swing, blues, and rhythm and blues woodwind player; he played clarinet and tenor and baritone saxophone. His father was the noted banjoist Satchel McVea, and banjo was Jack McVea's first instrument.

Born John Vivian McVea in Los Angeles, California, and playing jazz in Los Angeles for several years, he joined Lionel Hampton's orchestra in 1940. From 1944 on he mostly worked as a leader. Perhaps his most impressive performance as a sideman in those years was at the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concert in 1944. From 1966 till his retirement in the 1980s he led a group which played traditional jazz at Disneyland, called "The Royal Street Bachelors" in New Orleans Square.

McVea was leader of the Black & White Records studio band and was responsible for coming up with the musical riff for the words "Open the Door, Richard". Ralph Bass got him to record it in 1946 and it became immensely popular, entering the national charts the following year, and was recorded by many other artists.

He is also known for his playing on T-Bone Walker's "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just As Bad)." McVea also played on 1945's "Slim's Jam" by Slim Gaillard alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

McVea died in December 2000, at the age of 86

I'll Be True
Jack McVea Lyrics

We have lyrics for 'I'll Be True' by these artists:

Anson Funderburgh & Rockets The Featuring Sam Myers The taste of your betrayal's sitting right between my lips I…
Anson Funderburgh And The Rockets I wonna know Do you really love me? I wonna know Do you…
Bill & Gloria Gaither Whoa, I'll be with you Yes, 'til heaven comes and takes…
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Verse 1 Don't you worry bout me when we're not together…
Jake Hess & The Jordanaires I'll be home for Christmas You can plan on me Please have…
Jake Hess and The Jordanaires I'll be home for Christmas You can plan on me Please have…
Kaiser George & The Hi-Risers I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places That…
The Orlons Soldier boy This is parting time You never go Please take th…
The Sensations Now if you feel that you can't go on Because…

The Shouting Matches I'll be calling out your name I'll be calling out your…
Various Artists This is our fork in the road Love's last episode There's now…

We have lyrics for these tracks by Jack McVea:

Don't Blame Me Ever since the lucky night I found you I've hung around…
On The Sunny Side Of The Street Walked with no one and talked with no one And I…
Open The Door Richard Open the Door Richard Count Basie and His Orchestra Words by…
Open The Door Richard! Open the Door Richard Count Basie and His Orchestra Words…

Open The Door Richard!♥♥ Open the Door Richard Count Basie and His Orchestra Words by…

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TRACKS