Johnny McAfee, born John Morgan McAfee on July 24, 1913, in Dallas, Texas, was a notable figure in the American jazz scene during the swing era. A multi-instrumentalist, McAfee was primarily known for his proficiency on the alto saxophone, but he was also skilled in playing the clarinet and flute. His vocal talents were equally impressive, and he sang for several prominent orchestras during the big band era.

McAfee's career began to take shape in the late 1930s when he worked with orchestras led by Johnny Hamp, Leighton Noble, and Eddie Duchin. By September 1940, he had joined Tony Pastor's orchestra, and in early 1942, he briefly worked with Benny Goodman, although he did not perform as a vocalist there. His career peaked when he joined Harry James's orchestra in July 1942, where he gained significant popularity and was ranked ninth in Billboard magazine's 1943 annual college poll for best male band vocalist.

However, McAfee's rising career was interrupted by World War II, as he was drafted in late 1943 and served in Buddy Morrow's navy band. After his military service, he continued to perform with various orchestras, including those led by Buddy Morrow, Charlie Barnet, and Horace Heidt. Despite his efforts, McAfee struggled to regain his pre-war success and gradually faded from the limelight by the early 1950s.

In his personal life, McAfee married vocalist Millicent Green in 1937, whom he met while working with Johnny Hamp's orchestra. The couple had a daughter, Diane, who became the mother of singer Fiona Apple. McAfee and Green divorced in 1947, and he later remarried Joyce Brownell, with whom he had another daughter, Jennifer, in 1952.

By 1963, McAfee was working nights with Vincent Lopez's orchestra at the Taft Grill in New York while driving a cab during the day. His later life remains largely undocumented, and he eventually disappeared from public records. Despite the challenges he faced, Johnny McAfee's contributions to the jazz and big band scenes remain noteworthy.