Big Voice Jack

Aaron “Big Voice Jack” Lerole (c. 1940–2003) was a South African penny whistle master, saxophonist, vocalist, and composer who stood at the forefront of the 1950s Kwela music boom. Busking on the streets of Alexandra as a teenager, Lerole formed Elias and His Zig-Zag Jive Flutes with his brother and wrote the international Kwela hit “Tom Hark” (1956). Known for his deep, gravelly vocal style—which earned him the moniker “Big Voice Jack”—he made a seamless transition from street-side Kwela to electric Mbaqanga during the 1960s with solo releases like “Blues Ngaphansi”.

Throughout his career, Lerole recorded across major studio rosters, including Gallo Record Company’s Mavuthela imprint. In 1984, he met bassist John Leyden at the Gallo offices and co-founded the crossover group Mango Groove, bridging 1950s Kwela heritage with modern South African pop. Later in his career, he performed internationally alongside the Dave Matthews Band and released live recordings. Posthumously awarded a South African Music Award (SAMA) Lifetime Achievement Award, Big Voice Jack’s composition catalogue under Gallo Music Publishers remains an essential foundation of Southern African street music and jazz history.

Music Genre:

Kwela | Jazz | Afro-Jazz

Instruments:

Penny Whistle | Vocal | Saxophone