Jim Jackson (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Jackson
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Jackson (left) and King Vidor on the set of the film Hallelujah!
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| Background information | |
| Born | June 1876 Hernando, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | December 18, 1933 (aged 57) Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Genres | Blues, hokum |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1905–1933 |
Jim Jackson (born June 1876 – died December 18, 1933) was an American blues and hokum musician. He was a talented singer, guitarist, and a "songster," meaning he knew hundreds of different songs. His music became very popular in the late 1920s and inspired many musicians who came after him.
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Who Was Jim Jackson?
Jim Jackson was born in Hernando, Mississippi. He grew up on a farm where he learned to play the guitar. Around 1905, he started performing as a singer, dancer, and musician. He often played at dances and parties with other local artists.
Early Career and Traveling Shows
Jackson also worked in "medicine shows." These were traveling shows that sold medicines and featured entertainment. He even joined famous groups like the Rabbit Foot Minstrels. This show featured well-known singers such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.
Jackson also performed in clubs on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. His amazing talent helped him get a regular job at the fancy Peabody Hotel in Memphis in 1919. Like other famous musicians, Jim Jackson knew a huge number of songs. These included blues, story-telling ballads, and traditional tunes. He was a very popular performer.
Recording His Music
In 1927, a talent scout named H. C. Speir helped Jim Jackson get a recording deal. On October 10, 1927, he recorded a song called "Jim Jackson's Kansas City Blues." This song became a huge hit!
The tune and words from "Kansas City Blues" influenced many later songs. You can hear parts of it in famous rock and roll songs like "Rock Around the Clock" and "Kansas City." After this big success, Jackson recorded more songs that sounded similar to his hit. Other artists also recorded their own versions of "Kansas City Blues."
In 1928, Jackson moved to Memphis. He made more recordings there, including a funny song called "I Heard the Voice of a Pork Chop." He also appeared in a 1929 film called Hallelujah!. This movie was special because it featured an all-black cast.
Later Years and Legacy
Jim Jackson also ran his own traveling show called the Red Rose Minstrels. This show toured through Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. He even helped other musicians get their start. As a talent scout, he discovered Rufus "Speckled Red" Perryman and helped him get his first recording session.
Jackson recorded his last songs in February 1930. He later moved back to Hernando, Mississippi. He continued to perform music until he passed away in 1933.
Jim Jackson's Influence on Music
Jim Jackson's music left a lasting mark on many artists.
- The famous singer Janis Joplin recorded her own version of "Kansas City Blues." In her song, she sang, "Babe, I'm leavin', yeah I'm a-leavin' this mornin' / Goin' to Kansas City to bring Jim Jackson home."
- He greatly influenced the Chicago blues musician J. B. Lenoir.
- "Kansas City Blues" was a regular song in Robert Nighthawk's concerts.
- The musician Brownie McGhee said that "Kansas City Blues" was "the first tune that I ever learned to play."
- The song "Wild About My Lovin'" was covered by the band The Lovin' Spoonful. They released it on their first album, Do You Believe in Magic, in 1965.
See also
- List of blues musicians
- First rock and roll record
Images for kids
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Jackson (left) and King Vidor on the set of the film Hallelujah!
