- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1987.
- Jazz alto saxophonist and bandleader.
- Growing up primarily in the Denver, Colorado area, one of his early music teachers was Dr. Wilburforce Whiteman, the father of another legendary bandleader, Paul Whiteman.
- Graduated with a Bachelor in Music degree from Fisk University in 1926. That same year, he taught music at Manassa High School in Memphis while forming his first band, the 'Chickasaw Syncopators'.
- Lunceford's theme songs were "Jazznocracy" and "Uptown Blues". One of his biggest hits was Trummy Young's composition of "Tain't What You Do" ("It's the Way That You Do It").
- Lunceford's became one of the most popular swing bands in America in the 1930's, concentrating on showmanship and ensemble sound, rather than on featuring soloists. Having signed the outstanding arranger Sy Oliver and such top musicians as Willie Smith, Mose Allen and Trummy Young, the band established a residency at New York's Cotton Club in January 1934. Recording contracts with Decca and Columbia, national tours (mostly one-nighters) and radio broadcasts eventually gained Lunceford a huge following across the U.S..
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