Jackey Beavers facts for kids

Robert Lewis "Jackey" Beavers (born June 19, 1937 – died October 28, 2008) was an American singer and songwriter. He was known for his rhythm and blues and gospel music. Jackey Beavers was also a pastor and worked to help his community.

He formed a music duo called Johnny and Jackey with Johnny Bristol. Together, they helped write the famous song "Someday We'll Be Together." This song later became a number one hit for Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Jackey Beavers' Early Life and Music Journey

Jackey Beavers was born and grew up in Cartersville, Georgia. After finishing high school, he joined the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force at Fort Custer Training Center, he entered a talent show. He won the competition and became friends with another performer, Johnny Bristol.

Forming Johnny and Jackey

Jackey and Johnny started performing together as "Johnny and Jackey." They soon got a regular performing spot at the El Grotto Lounge in Battle Creek, Michigan. The band playing there was led by the famous musician Junior Walker.

Signing with Record Labels

Johnny and Jackey signed with Anna Records. This record label was managed by Berry Gordy's sister, Gwen Gordy Fuqua. In 1960, they released two songs with Anna Records. Later, they moved to the Tri-Phi label. Gwen Gordy started this label with her husband, Harvey Fuqua.

Writing "Someday We'll Be Together"

In 1962, Johnny and Jackey released their second song for Tri-Phi. It was called "Someday We'll Be Together." Jackey Beavers helped write this song with Johnny Bristol and Harvey Fuqua. However, the song was not a big hit at that time.

Solo Career and Northern Soul

After a while, Johnny and Jackey decided to go their separate ways. Jackey Beavers then started recording music on his own. He worked with Roquel Davis at the Checker label. His first solo song, "Jack-A-Rue," was a small local hit in 1965.

Jackey Beavers recorded for several other labels in the late 1960s. These included Nation, Dade, Revilot, Grandland, and Jaber. Even though these songs were not big hits back then, some are now very popular with fans of a music style called Northern soul. One example is "Love That Never Grows Old," released in 1967.

Jackey Beavers also sang with a group called The Soul Continentals. He performed with The Continental Showstoppers too. He wrote songs for other artists, like Joe Simon and Ella Washington.

From Music to Ministry and Public Service

In the early 1970s, Jackey Beavers worked as a producer and recording artist. He worked at Sound Stage 7 Records in Nashville, Tennessee. After this, he moved back to his hometown of Cartersville.

Becoming a Minister

Jackey Beavers managed a nightclub for a while. Then, he went back to college and earned a degree. He became a minister. He served at the New Hope Baptist Church and later at the Glory Harvester Church. He recorded several gospel music albums on the Glory record label. These included The Inspired (1977), Refreshing (1986), and We Are God's Children (1988).

Working for the Governor

From 1983 to 1990, Jackey Beavers worked for Joe Frank Harris. Joe Frank Harris was the Governor of Georgia at the time. Jackey Beavers was an Executive Assistant for minority affairs and small businesses. He helped the Governor connect with the African-American community. He worked on civil rights and small business projects.

He also worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections for three years. He was an aide to Tom Murphy, who was the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, for seven years. Jackey Beavers also wrote a newspaper column for the Cartersville Daily Tribune News. He led his church's efforts to improve prisons.

Later Years and Legacy

Jackey Beavers passed away in 2008 at the age of 71. In 2011, he was honored after his death. He was added to the Bartow County Gospel Music Hall of Fame.