Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
A tenor sax powerhouse with a blistering tone, he was a defining force in the soulful, blues-drenched school of jazz.
1922–1986 (age 64)·American jazz saxophonist·Birthday: March 2·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis brought a raw, commanding presence to the bandstand. Emerging from the crucible of Harlem's jazz scene, his big, brawny sound on the tenor saxophone was instantly recognizable—a blend of swaggering blues, rhythmic punch, and tender balladry. He cut his teeth in the bands of Cootie Williams and Lucky Millinder before leading his own fiery organ trios, a format he helped popularize. His partnership with organist Shirley Scott produced a string of definitive, grooving records. Later, as a featured soloist with Count Basie's orchestra, 'Jaws' provided a rugged, earthy counterpoint to the band's polished swing. His playing never lost its edge or its deep connection to the fundamentals of jazz: blues, swing, and soulful storytelling.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Eddie was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Eddie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Eddie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1986Died at 64
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
Key Achievements
- Pioneered the popular soul jazz organ trio format with a series of influential recordings for Prestige Records.
- Served as a featured tenor saxophonist and soloist in Count Basie's orchestra during the 1960s and again in the 1970s.
- Recorded a celebrated series of tenor saxophone 'battles' with fellow saxophonist Johnny Griffin, known for their fiery interplay.
- His long musical partnership with organist Shirley Scott produced classic albums like 'The Cookbook' series.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Lockjaw' reportedly came from his habit of clamping down hard on his saxophone mouthpiece while playing.
He briefly worked as a booking agent for the famous jazz club Minton's Playhouse in Harlem.
Before his music career took off, Davis worked as a professional boxer.
He was known for his distinctive, muscular sound, which he said was influenced by the saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.
“You gotta play the changes, not just the notes.”
