Jackie Payne facts for kids

Jackie Payne (born September 26, 1945) is an American blues singer. He is known for his powerful voice. Jackie Payne was nominated for the Blues Music Award for Best Male Soul Blues Artist in both 2007 and 2008. An album he made with Johnny Otis was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 1993. He is the nephew of famous blues harmonica player Neal Pattman.

Jackie Payne's Musical Journey

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Jackie Payne was born in Athens, Georgia, United States. His birth name was William, and people called him Willie when he was a child. He started singing in his father's gospel choir. This is where he learned to sing. His uncle, Neal Pattman, taught him about the blues. His uncle played the harmonica.

By the age of 13, Jackie was already singing professionally. He performed with the Allen Swing Band in Atlanta. Later, he joined an R&B group called The Serenaders. In 1963, when he was 17, he moved to Houston, Texas. There, he recorded his first local hit song in 1965. It was called "Go Go Train," with "I'll Be Home" on the other side of the record.

This song's success led to a big tour. He toured 45 cities with the Stax music show. Famous artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas, and Carla Thomas were also on this tour. Some people even said Jackie's voice sounded like Otis Redding's. His music career paused when he joined the United States Army in 1968. After that, he settled in Culver City, California. He performed at The Cover Girl Club with Pee Wee Crayton.

Singing with the Johnny Otis Show

Jackie Payne became the main singer for the Johnny Otis Show. He sang with them for fifteen years. He recorded many albums with Johnny Otis's band. He also appeared for many years on Johnny Otis's live radio show. This show was broadcast on KPFA-FM every Saturday morning.

One album, Spirit of the Black Territory Bands, featured Jackie Payne's singing. It was recorded by The Johnny Otis Orchestra. This album was nominated for a 1993 Grammy Award. In 1998, Jackie Payne released his own CD called A Day In the Life of a Blues Man. Kenny Blue Ray produced this album for the British JSP Records label.

The Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band

In the late 1990s, Jackie Payne teamed up with blues guitarist Steve Edmonson. They formed a band called the Jackie Payne Steve Edmonson Band. This band was based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The band recorded three albums. Their first was Partners in the Blues on the Burnside Records label. They later released Master of the Game and Overnight Sensation on the Delta Groove label. The band won an award in 2006. They received the Contemporary Blues Award for Best Soul Blues Album for their album Master of the Game.