Jimmy Lyons was an American jazz alto saxophonist and flautist who was born in 1931 in Jersey City. He received his first saxophone from Buster Bailey and studied under Rudy Rutherford before performing in US Army bands. Lyons achieved professional prominence through a long-term collaboration with the pianist Cecil Taylor beginning in 1961, appearing on the albums Live at the Café Montmartre (1962) and Unit Structures (1966). He released his debut studio album as a leader, Other Afternoons, in 1969 and subsequently recorded for labels including Hathut Records and Black Saint Records. His discography includes the albums Jump Up (1980), Something in Return (1981), and Wee Sneezawee (1983). In addition to his performance career, Lyons was a dedicated educator who served as an artist in residence at Antioch College and led the Black Music Ensemble at Bennington College. He died in 1986.
