Jessy Dixon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessy Dixon
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| Born | March 12, 1938 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | September 26, 2011 (aged 73) Chicago, Illinois |
| Genres | Gospel, contemporary Christian music, R&B |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1960s–2011 |
| Labels | Ambassador |
| Associated acts | The Goodmans, Bill Gaither Trio, Lillie Knauls, James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, Albertina Walker, Paul Simon, DeGarmo and Key, Milton Brunson |
Jessy Dixon (March 12, 1938 – September 26, 2011) was a famous American gospel music singer, songwriter, and piano player. He was known for his amazing voice and for writing many popular songs. Jessy Dixon's music was loved by people of all backgrounds. He was even nominated for seven Grammy Awards, which are big awards in music!
Jessy worked with many other musicians. Some of these include Paul Simon, Andrae Crouch, and Bill Gaither. He also wrote songs for famous singers like Amy Grant, Natalie Cole, Cher, and Diana Ross. Jessy Dixon was also an ordained minister.
Contents
Jessy Dixon's Musical Journey
Early Life and Discovery
Jessy Dixon was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 12, 1938. He started singing and playing music when he was just five years old. Later, he moved to Chicago. There, a famous musician named James Cleveland discovered him. James Cleveland was one of the first artists to sing Jessy's songs, like "God Can Do Anything But Fail."
Big Performances and Paul Simon
In 1972, Jessy was invited to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival. He sang his new song, "The Wicked Shall Cease Their Troubling," at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The audience loved it so much that they asked for four more songs!
Paul Simon, a very famous singer from Simon & Garfunkel, was in the audience. He was so impressed that he asked Jessy to sing with him. Jessy became the lead singer on NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live.
Jessy toured with Paul Simon for eight years. They traveled all over the U.S., France, Canada, and Japan. During this time, Jessy recorded two albums with Paul Simon. These albums, Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin' (1974) and Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), each sold a million copies! Jessy also worked with Paul Simon again in 2006 on a song called "Wartime Prayers."
Working with Bill Gaither
Later, Bill and Gloria Gaither invited Jessy to sing at their Homecoming concerts. Jessy became a favorite performer in this series. He traveled across the United States and other countries. Audiences loved his powerful performances of songs like "It's A Highway To Heaven" and "I Am Redeemed." Jessy also performed in a show called Black Nativity.
Later Years and Passing
In 2010, Jessy Dixon was diagnosed with cancer. He fought bravely against the illness. Jessy Dixon passed away on September 26, 2011, at his home in Chicago. He was 73 years old.
