Cecil James McNeely (April 29, 1927 – September 16, 2018), better known as Big Jay McNeely, was an American rhythm and blues saxophonist. He was born in Los Angeles, California. McNeely's first hit was "The Deacon's Hop," an instrumental which topped the "Billboard" R&B chart in early 1949. He was added into The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.