George Jackson (songwriter) facts for kids

George Henry Jackson (born March 12, 1945 – died April 14, 2013) was an American songwriter and singer. He was known for writing many hit songs for other musicians. Some of his famous songs include "Down Home Blues" and "Old Time Rock and Roll". He also sang his own songs, releasing fifteen singles between 1963 and 1985.

Life and Music

George Jackson was born in Indianola, Mississippi. When he was five, his family moved to Greenville. He started writing songs when he was a teenager.

In 1963, he met Ike Turner and recorded a song. It was not a big hit. George then went to Memphis to share his songs. He helped start a music group called The Ovations.

Early Success

George wrote and sang on The Ovations' 1965 hit song. It was called "It's Wonderful To Be in Love." This song reached number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number 22 on the R&B chart.

He also wrote songs for other artists at Goldwax Records. These included Spencer Wiggins and James Carr. After The Ovations broke up in 1968, George recorded for other labels. He even used the name Bart Jackson for some songs.

Writing for Stars

Later, George moved to FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. There, he wrote songs for many famous singers. These included Clarence Carter and Wilson Pickett. He also wrote for Candi Staton.

His songs for Candi Staton were very special. They are seen as some of the best soul music ever. George also recorded his own songs for Fame Records. In 1970, his song "That's How Much You Mean To Me" was a hit.

Big Hits for Others

In 1970, The Osmonds visited FAME Studios. They heard George's song "One Bad Apple." He had written it for The Jackson 5. The Osmonds loved it and recorded it.

"One Bad Apple" became The Osmonds' first number one hit song. It topped the Hot 100 chart in 1971. It also reached number 6 on the R&B chart.

Later Career

In 1972, George had another solo hit song. It was called "Aretha, Sing One For Me." This song was a response to Aretha Franklin's "Don't Play That Song." George's song reached number 38 on the R&B chart.

He also wrote "Old Time Rock and Roll" with Thomas Jones III. Bob Seger recorded this song in 1978. It became a very popular song. George also wrote "Down Home Blues" for Z.Z. Hill. This song became a theme for Malaco Records.

Another one of his songs was "The Only Way Is Up." Otis Clay first recorded it in 1980. Later, a version by Yazz & The Plastic Population became a number one hit in the UK.

In 1983, George started his own music company. He then joined Malaco Records as a songwriter. He wrote hits for many artists there. These included Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Bland.

In 1991, George released an album of his own songs. It was called Heart To Heart Collect. A collection of his FAME recordings was released in 2011.

George Jackson passed away on April 14, 2013. He was 68 years old.

Music Samples

Sometimes, parts of old songs are used in new songs. This is called sampling.

• In 2018, Kanye West used a sample from George Jackson's song "I Can't Do Without You." It was in the song "Come Back Baby" by Pusha T.
• In 2000, Ghostface Killah used a sample from "Aretha, Sing One for Me." It was in his song "Child's Play."

Albums

• 1991 : Heart To Heart Collect
• 2002 : George Jackson in Muscle Shoals
• 2006 : What Would Your Mama Say
• 2009 : In Memphis 1972–77
• 2010 : All Because Of Your Love
• 2011 : Don't Count Me Out: The Fame Recordings (Volume 1)
• 2012 : Let the Best Man Win: The Fame Recordings (Volume 2)
• 2013 : Old Friend: The Fame Recordings (Volume 3)