Tympany Five was a successful and influential American rhythm and blues and jazz dance band founded by Louis Jordan in 1938.

In 1941, they were transferred from Decca's race label to its Sepia Series, featuring artists thought to have the crossover potential to appeal to both black and white audiences.

[2] The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame states that two of the most important originators of rhythm and blues were Joe Turner and Louis Jordan, with his Tympany Five.

[3] The Hall also describes Jordan as "the Father of Rhythm & Blues," "the Grandfather of Rock 'n' Roll" and "King of the Juke Boxes".

[5] His "Saturday Night Fish Fry" fell into the jump blues genre[6] but is viewed by some as a precursor to rock and roll.