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Wayne Jackson (musician)

American musician (1941–2016) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wayne Lamar Jackson[1] (November 24, 1941 – June 21, 2016)[2] was an American soul and R&B musician, playing the trumpet in The Mar-Keys, in the house band at Stax Records and later as one of The Memphis Horns, described as "arguably the greatest soul horn section ever".[3][4]

Born
Wayne Lamar Jackson

(1941-11-24)November 24, 1941
West Memphis, Arkansas, U.S.
DiedJune 21, 2016(2016-06-21) (aged 74)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresRhythm & blues, soul
OccupationsMusician, songwriter, producer
Quick facts Background information, Born ...
Wayne Jackson
Wayne Jackson, 2013
Wayne Jackson, 2013
Background information
Born
Wayne Lamar Jackson

(1941-11-24)November 24, 1941
West Memphis, Arkansas, U.S.
DiedJune 21, 2016(2016-06-21) (aged 74)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresRhythm & blues, soul
OccupationsMusician, songwriter, producer
InstrumentsTrumpet, trombone, French Horn
Years active1961–2016
LabelStax
Formerly ofMemphis Horns The Mar-Keys
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Jackson was born in West Memphis, Arkansas, just a few days apart from his musical partner Andrew Love[5][6] with whom he created the signature horn sound at Stax on hit records by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and others. Jackson was also the voice on the Mar-Keys singular hit "Last Night", due in part, to his proximity to the microphone.

After the years recording at Stax, they incorporated themselves into The Memphis Horns and began freelancing, recording on sessions for such artists as Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, Al Green, and Dusty Springfield. The duo also toured with The Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Robert Cray, and numerous other performers.

As a key member of the Stax house band, Jackson played on enduring classics like Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" and Aretha Franklin's "Respect." He later noted that the studio rarely provided written horn charts, leaving it to the musicians to create their parts on the spot. This spontaneous, collaborative process became essential to forging the signature Memphis soul sound.[7]

After officially incorporating as The Memphis Horns with saxophonist Andrew Love in 1969, Jackson began a prolific freelance career. He moved to Nashville in 1978, toured with country music star Marty Robbins, and broke new ground as the first horn player invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1986, his career was reintroduced to a global audience when he was featured prominently on Peter Gabriel's hit single, "Sledgehammer.".[7]

In 2012, the Memphis Horns received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding artistic significance in music.[8]

Jackson died on June 21, 2016, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis of congestive heart failure. His death came after several years of failing health during which he still maintained an active schedule earning an income by giving personalized guided tours at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. He was 74.[6]

Discography

With Alabama

With Luther Allison

With William Bell

  • The Soul of a Bell (Stax Records, 1967)
  • Bound to Happen (Stax Records, 1969)
  • Relating (Stax Records, 1974)

With Frank Black

With Jimmy Buffett

With Joe Cocker

With Rita Coolidge

  • Letting You Go With Love (Victor, 1997)
  • Thinkin' About You (404 Music Group, 1998)

With Rodney Crowell

With The Doobie Brothers

With Yvonne Elliman

  • Rising Sun (RSO Records, 1975)

With José Feliciano

  • Memphis Menu (RCA Victor, 1972)

With Firefall

With Eddie Floyd

With Aretha Franklin

With Peter Gabriel

  • So (Geffen, 1986)
  • Us (Real World Records, 1992)

With Al Green

With Colin James

With Billy Joel

  • Storm Front (Columbia Records, 1989)
  • Uncovered (Swamp Records, 2006)

With Albert King

With B. B. King

With Mark Knopfler

With Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris

With Nicolette Larson

With Lulu

With Dan Penn

  • Do Right Man (Sire Records, 1994)
  • Blue Nite Lounge (Dandy Records, 2000)

With Wilson Pickett

With David Porter

  • Victim of the Joke? An Opera (Enterprise Records, 1971)

With John Prine

With Bonnie Raitt

With Otis Redding

With Johnny Rivers

  • The Memphis Sun Recordings (Soul City, 1998)

With Tom Rush

With Broderick Smith

  • Suitcase (Mushroom Records, 1992)

With Pops Staples

  • Peace to the Neighborhood (Point Blank Records, 1992)

With Rod Stewart

With Stephen Stills

With Sting

With James Taylor

With Carla Thomas

  • Love Means... (Stax Records, 1971)

With Rob Thomas

  • Someday (Atlantic Records, 2010)

With Rufus Thomas

  • Do the Funky Chicken (Stax Records, 1970)
  • Swing Out with Rufus Thomas (High Stacks Records, 2000)

With The Manhattan Transfer

With Tony Joe White

With Steve Winwood

With Neil Young

With Paul Young

References

External links

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