James Dugald "Jimmy" McPartland (March 15, 1907 – March 13, 1991) was an influential American jazz cornetist known for his role in the development of the Chicago jazz style. Born in Chicago, Illinois, McPartland was one of four children in a family with a strong musical background; his father was a music teacher. Despite a tumultuous early life, including time spent in orphanages and brushes with the law, McPartland found his path through music, initially starting with the violin before switching to the cornet at age 15.

McPartland was a member of the Austin High School Gang, a group that played a significant role in shaping the Chicago jazz style. This ensemble, inspired by New Orleans jazz, emphasized improvisation and energetic ensemble playing. McPartland's cornet playing was noted for its melodic inventiveness and laid-back phrasing, traits that became hallmarks of his style.

Throughout his career, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s, McPartland collaborated with notable musicians such as Eddie Condon, Art Hodes, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, and Tommy Dorsey. He often led his own bands and was a key figure in the jazz revival movement of the 1940s and 1950s, helping to preserve the Dixieland genre.

McPartland's discography includes recordings with several major labels like Prestige, MGM, and RCA. One of the highlights of his career was the 1957 album "The Music Man Goes Dixieland," which showcased his talent and featured collaborations with other jazz greats.

In his personal life, McPartland was married to pianist Marian McPartland, with whom he shared a deep musical connection. Despite divorcing, they remained friends and remarried shortly before his death in 1991. McPartland's legacy is marked by his contributions to jazz music and his efforts to keep traditional jazz alive and relevant.