J. J. Jackson (media personality) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. J. Jackson
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
John J. Jackson Jr.
April 8, 1941 |
| Died | March 17, 2004 (aged 62) |
| Other names | Triple J |
| Occupation | Radio and television personality |
John J. "J. J." Jackson Jr. (born April 8, 1941 – died March 17, 2004) was a famous American radio and television personality. He was one of the very first VJs (Video Jockeys) on MTV. MTV is a popular music television channel. J. J. Jackson was one of the five original VJs who helped launch the channel. He often called himself "Triple J" when he was on MTV.
J. J. Jackson's Career Highlights
J. J. Jackson became well-known working at radio stations. He started at WBCN in Boston in the late 1960s. Later, he worked at KLOS in Los Angeles for ten years. J. J. was one of the first DJs to play music by famous bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin for American listeners.
In 1976, you could hear his voice in the movie Car Wash. He played a DJ for a fictional radio station. Before joining MTV, he was also a music reporter for KABC-TV.
Becoming an MTV VJ
J. J. Jackson was chosen as one of MTV's first "fab five" VJs. These VJs were the faces of the new music channel. As a VJ, Jackson hosted many shows. One memorable moment was when he hosted the "unmasking" of the band KISS. This was a big event where the band members showed their faces without their famous makeup.
J. J. Jackson was also special because he was one of the few African Americans to be a DJ on an "album rock" radio station. This type of station played rock music from full albums.
After MTV
After working at MTV for five years, J. J. Jackson went back to radio in Los Angeles. He worked at stations like KROQ-FM. He also became a program director for a modern rock station called KEDG.
Later, he returned to KLOS. He also hosted a show on a smooth jazz station called KTWV. From 1995 until his death, he hosted a nationally syndicated radio show. This show was called The Beatle Years and focused on the band The Beatles.
J. J. Jackson's Passing
On March 17, 2004, J. J. Jackson passed away at the age of 62. He had a heart attack while driving home. He had just finished dinner with a friend in Los Angeles. J. J. Jackson had a daughter and three grandchildren.
