Jackie Washington facts for kids

Jackie Washington (born November 12, 1919 – died June 27, 2009) was a famous Canadian blues musician. He was known for his amazing singing and guitar playing. Jackie had a huge collection of songs he could perform, over 1300! He was also Canada's first Black disc jockey.

About Jackie Washington

Jackie Washington was born and grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. His grandfather had escaped slavery in the United States. Jackie was one of fifteen children in his family. His parents were Rose and John Washington.

In 1948, Jackie made history. He became Canada's first Black disc jockey (DJ). He had his own radio show on CHML in Hamilton. This show ran from 1948 to 1950.

Early Music Career

Jackie came from a big family of musicians. His brothers Reg played the Hammond B3 organ. His brother Dickie played the drums. Jackie started singing in public when he was only five years old. He sang with his brother Ormsby.

In the 1930s, Jackie was part of a group called the Washington Brothers. They played music in clubs and nightspots. This continued until his brother's death. Jackie also played in coffeehouses. He worked as a railroad porter and later at Fort Erie Race Track.

Later Performances

After facing some health challenges, Jackie continued to perform. In the 1970s and 1980s, he played with saxophonist Freddie Purser. They performed for many years at the Windsor and Royal taverns in Hamilton.

As a solo artist, Jackie performed at Hamilton's Festival of Friends. He appeared there a record 29 times! In 1980, Jackie acted in a film. He played the part of a janitor in Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave. He also appeared in a TV documentary in 2005. It was called I Want To Be Happy: The Jackie Washington Story.

Recordings and Legacy

Jackie's first album as a solo blues artist was Blues and Sentimental. It came out in June 1976. Besides his own albums, Jackie also appeared on recordings by other famous musicians. These included Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Joni Mitchell, and Gordon Lightfoot.

Jackie was a regular performer at many Canadian folk and blues festivals. Some festivals have even named awards in his honor. Jackie was famous for knowing about 1300 blues, folk, and jazz songs by heart.

Even though he faced health issues, Jackie kept performing. His fellow musicians helped him by arranging a special tribute concert. Famous artists like Jeff Healey and Garnet Rogers performed. Jackie then lived in a retirement home until he passed away.

Jackie wanted his music sheets, photos, and videos to be shared. They were given to the music department at McMaster University. In 2003, a park in Hamilton was named in his honor. It is located near where he grew up.

Awards and Recognition

Jackie Washington received many honors for his music. In 1993, he was nominated for a Juno Award. This was for his album Where Old Friends Meet. He made this album with Ken Whiteley and Mose Scarlett.

In 1995, Jackie was added to Hamilton's Gallery of Distinction. In 2002, he was inducted into the Canadian Jazz & Blues Hall of Fame. Canadian artist Colin Linden wrote a song called "Jackie Washington" to honor him. It was released in 2003.

The Jackie Washington Rotary Park in the North End of Hamilton was named after him in 2003.

Jackie's Music Albums

Jackie Washington released several albums during his career. Here are some of them:

• Blues and Sentimental (1976)
• Where Old Friends Meet (1991) (with Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley)
• Jackie Washington and Friends in Concert on December 4, 1994 (1994)
• Keeping Out of Mischief (1995)
• Three by Three (1995) (This set included one of his CDs with Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley)
• Midnight Choo Choo (1998)
• We'll Meet Again (1999) (with Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley)
• Sitting on a Rainbow (2003) (with Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley)

Songs on Other Albums

Jackie also had songs featured on other music projects:

• Mariposa Folk Festival 1976, which included his song "In My Solitude" (1976)

Awards and Honors

Jackie Washington received many awards for his musical talent and contributions:

• 1984: Hamilton Arts Award
• 1986: The Jackie Washington Award from the Northern Lights Festival Boreal (NLFB) in Sudbury, Ontario
• 1991: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Arts Council
• 1995: Inducted into the Gallery of Distinction in Hamilton, Ontario
• 1998: Blues with a Feeling Award from the Maple Blues Awards (a Lifetime Achievement Award)
• 2001: Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals
• 2002: Inducted into the Canadian Jazz & Blues Hall of Fame
• 2003: Received an honorary Doctorate in Humanities from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario