The remarkable saxophonist Jimmy Ellis grew up in a musical family on Chicago's south side in the 1930's and 40's. Jimmy met, heard and shared his life with many of the great jazz artists of that era. He attended Du Sable high school with Nat King Cole and Johnny Griffin and they all studied music with the famous band director Captain Walter Dyett. Jimmy has performed with many great bands through the years including a tour with Earl Hines.

Jimmy Ellis has dedicated his life to music as a performer and a teacher. Many of his students are among the foremost jazz players of today.