Louis Thomas Jordan, born on July 8, 1908, in Brinkley, Arkansas, was a pioneering American saxophonist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader whose career spanned from 1932 to 1974. Known as "the King of the Jukebox," Jordan was a central figure in the development of both rhythm and blues and rock and roll. He was particularly influential during the late 1930s to the early 1950s, a period when he was among the most successful African-American recording artists.

Jordan's musical journey began in his youth, influenced by his father, a professional musician, who introduced him to the black musical traditions of the American South. He started playing the clarinet at age seven and later took up the saxophone. As a teenager, he toured with various performing troupes, including the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, as a singer, dancer, comedian, and woodwind player. His early career included a stint with Chick Webb's orchestra, where he performed alongside Ella Fitzgerald.

In 1938, Jordan formed his own band, the Tympany Five, and signed with Decca Records. Despite the band's name, it often featured six musicians and became one of the most popular recording acts by 1942. Jordan's music was characterized by its rhythmic vitality, clever lyrics, and engaging stage presence, which helped him achieve crossover popularity with both black and white audiences. His style, a blend of jazz, blues, and boogie-woogie, laid the groundwork for jump blues and influenced future genres like rock and roll.

Jordan's hits included "Let the Good Times Roll," "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," and "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie." He collaborated with notable artists such as Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. His influence extended to artists like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Bill Haley, and his work was covered by musicians including Woody Herman and Eric Clapton.

In addition to his musical achievements, Jordan appeared in films and was a prominent figure in Hollywood short films like "Caldonia." Despite a decline in popularity before his death on February 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, Jordan's music experienced a revival in the 1990s with the success of the musical "Five Guys Named Moe."

Jordan was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2018, he received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement, cementing his legacy as a seminal figure in American music history.