Jess Stacy, born Jesse Alexander Stacy on August 11, 1904, in Bird's Point, Missouri, was an influential American jazz pianist known for his work during the swing era. He gained significant recognition for his performances with the Benny Goodman band in the late 1930s, particularly his memorable piano solo during the 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Stacy's early musical education was under the guidance of Mabel Irene Bailey and later Clyde Brandt at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. He began his career playing in Peg Meyer's jazz ensemble and later moved to Chicago in the early 1920s, where he was influenced by Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines. In 1935, Stacy joined Benny Goodman's band, contributing to its success until 1939. He passed away on January 1, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in jazz history.