Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, born Edward L. Vinson Jr. on December 18, 1917, in Houston, Texas, was a prominent American alto saxophonist, blues shouter, and composer known for his work in jump blues, jazz, bebop, and R&B. He earned the nickname "Cleanhead" after a hair straightening mishap left him bald. Vinson's parents, both pianists, introduced him to music early, and he began playing the saxophone in high school. He joined Chester Boone's band in 1935, which included T-Bone Walker on guitar, and later became part of the renowned horn section in Milton Larkin's orchestra alongside Arnett Cobb and Illinois Jacquet.

In 1941, Vinson left Larkin's band and joined the Cootie Williams Orchestra in New York, where he recorded hits like "Cherry Red." By 1945, he formed his own band, signed with Mercury Records, and achieved success with hits such as "Old Maid Boogie" and "Kidney Stew Blues." His band in the early 1950s included a young John Coltrane, and Vinson was known for his jazz and blues compositions, including "Tune Up" and "Four," often misattributed to Miles Davis.

Throughout his career, Vinson worked with notable artists like Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson, and Etta James. He recorded for labels such as King Records, Mercury, Black & Blue, ABC-BluesWay, and Muse. Vinson's career saw a resurgence in the 1970s, particularly after a notable performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival with the Johnny Otis Revue.

Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson passed away on July 2, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, from a heart attack while undergoing chemotherapy. His legacy endures through his extensive recordings and contributions to blues and jazz music.