Al Jackson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Al Jackson Jr.
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Booker T. & the M.G.'s c. 1967 (L–R): Donald "Duck" Dunn, Booker T. Jones (seated), Steve Cropper, Al Jackson Jr.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Albert J. Jackson Jr. |
| Born | November 27, 1935 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | October 1, 1975 (aged 39) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, funk, soul, Memphis soul |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1940–1975 |
| Labels | Stax |
| Associated acts | Booker T. & the M.G.'s |
Albert J. Jackson Jr. (born November 27, 1935 – died October 1, 1975) was an amazing American drummer, music producer, and songwriter. He was a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s. This group of talented musicians worked for Stax Records and also created their own instrumental songs.
People called Jackson "The Human Timekeeper" because he was so good at keeping a steady beat on the drums. He was honored in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as part of Booker T. & the M.G.'s.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Al Jackson Jr. grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. His father, Al Jackson Sr., led a jazz and swing dance band. Young Al started playing the drums very early. He was only five years old when he first performed on stage with his father's band in 1940.
Later, he played in bands led by famous musicians like Willie Mitchell and Ben Branch. Other musicians, like Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn, were amazed by his drumming. They heard him play in clubs and knew he was special.
Booker T. Jones, who would become his bandmate, suggested Jackson join Stax. He told the others, "You guys need to know about Al." Dunn said Jackson was so good, he would stay out late just to listen to him play. At first, Jackson wasn't sure about joining Stax. He earned good money playing live shows. But he became the first Stax musician to get a regular weekly salary.
A Career in Music
At Stax Records, Al Jackson Jr. helped form the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The original members were Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Lewie Steinberg, and Jackson. Later, Donald "Duck" Dunn replaced Steinberg.
Jackson became one of the most important drummers in music history. He created a unique drum beat that was easy to recognize. He played on many hit songs for Stax artists. These included Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, and Albert King. Jackson also helped produce music for Albert King.
In the 1970s, Jackson co-wrote and played drums on several hit songs for Al Green. These included "Let's Stay Together" and "I'm Still in Love with You." He was also a session drummer for many other famous artists. These included Elvis Presley, Bill Withers, Wilson Pickett, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, and Rod Stewart.
In 1975, the members of Booker T. & the M.G.'s planned to get back together. They wanted to focus on making music as a band again. Sadly, just a few months later, Al Jackson Jr. passed away.
Al Jackson Jr.'s Drums
Al Jackson Jr. used different drum sets for his recordings. He often used drums from Ludwig and Rogers. He also used cymbals made by Zildjian.
You can see some of his studio drum kits in museums today. One Ludwig kit is at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. Another Rogers kit is at the Stax Museum. These drums helped him create his famous sound.
Collaborations
Al Jackson Jr. played on many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:
With Booker T. & the M.G.'s
- Green Onions (Stax Records, 1962)
- Soul Dressing (Stax Records, 1965)
- And Now! (Stax Records, 1966)
- In the Christmas Spirit (Stax Records, 1966)
- Hip Hug-Her (Stax Records, 1967)
- Doin' Our Thing (Stax Records, 1968)
- Soul Limbo (Stax Records, 1968)
- UpTight (Stax Records, 1969)
- The Booker T. Set (Stax Records, 1969)
- McLemore Avenue (Stax Records, 1970)
- Melting Pot (Stax Records, 1971)
With Otis Redding
- Pain in My Heart (Atco Records, 1964)
- The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads (Volt Records, 1965)
- Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul (Volt Records, 1965)
- The Soul Album (Volt Records, 1966)
- Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul (Volt Records, 1966)
- King & Queen (Volt Records, 1967)
- The Dock of the Bay (Volt Records, 1968)
With Donny Hathaway
- Donny Hathaway (Atco Records, 1971)
With Al Green
- Let's Stay Together (Hi Records, 1972)
- I'm Still in Love with You (Hi Records, 1972)
- Call Me (Hi Records, 1973)
- Livin' for You (Hi Records, 1973)
With Shirley Brown
- Woman to Woman (Truth Records, 1974)
With David Porter
- Victim of the Joke? An Opera (Enterprise Records, 1971)
With Rod Stewart
- Atlantic Crossing (Warner Bros. Records, 1975)
- A Night on the Town (Warner Bros. Records, 1976)
With Bill Withers
- Just as I Am (Sussex Records, 1971)
With Delaney & Bonnie
- Home (Stax Records, 1969)
With Freddie King
- Texas Cannonball (Shelter Records, 1972)
With William Bell
- The Soul of a Bell (Stax Records, 1967)
- Bound to Happen (Stax Records, 1969)
- Relating (Stax Records, 1974)
With Alan Gerber
- The Alan Gerber Album (Shelter Records, 1971)
With Mavis Staples
- Mavis Staples (Volt Records, 1969)
- Only for the Lonely (Volt Records, 1970)
With Aretha Franklin
- Young, Gifted and Black (Atlantic Records, 1972)
With Albert King
- Born Under a Bad Sign (Stax Records, 1967)
- Years Gone By (Stax Records, 1969)
- The Blues Don't Change (Stax Records, 1974)
With Eric Clapton
- 461 Ocean Boulevard (RSO Records, 1974)
With Wilson Pickett
- In the Midnight Hour (Atlantic Records, 1965)
- The Exciting Wilson Pickett (Atlantic Records, 1966)
With Eddie Floyd
- Knock on Wood (Stax Records, 1967)
With The Soul Children
- Genesis (Stax Records, 1972)
- Friction (Stax Records, 1974)
With Carla Thomas
- Memphis Queen (Stax Records, 1969)
- Love Means... (Stax Records, 1971)
With Leon Russell
- Will O' the Wisp (Shelter Records, 1975)
See Also
- Booker T. & the M.G.'s
- Stax Records
- Soul music
