J. J. Jackson, American soul/R&B singer, songwriter, and arranger

Jerome Louis Jackson, widely recognized by his stage moniker J.J. Jackson, is an esteemed American artist whose prolific career has spanned the vibrant realms of soul and R&B music as a singer, songwriter, and arranger. Born on November 8, 1942, in the bustling borough of the Bronx, New York, Jackson carved out a significant niche for himself in the dynamic musical landscape of the 1960s and beyond, contributing his distinctive voice and creative talents to the era.

Distinguished by his powerful and unrestrained vocal delivery, Jackson's singing style is characteristic of a "belter." This technique involves utilizing the full strength of the diaphragm to produce a loud, strong, and often emotionally charged sound, a hallmark that undoubtedly contributed to his memorable performances and recordings in the soulful genres. This raw power allowed him to convey deep feeling and energy, making his vocal performances particularly impactful and recognizable.

The Enduring Legacy of "But It's Alright"

While J.J. Jackson's discography boasts various contributions, he is unequivocally best known for the enduring hit song "But It's Alright." This soulful anthem, a testament to his collaborative spirit and songwriting prowess, was co-written with Pierre Tubbs. The track made its initial debut in 1966, resonating well with audiences and showing promising signs of success on the charts. Its impact was further solidified when it was re-released in 1969, reaching even greater heights on the music charts on both occasions, cementing its status as a timeless classic. The song's infectious blend of upbeat rhythm, heartfelt lyrics, and Jackson's commanding vocals perfectly encapsulated the era's sound, making it a staple in soul and R&B music collections to this day.

Beyond the Hit: Album Details and Personal Insights

In 1967, J.J. Jackson released his eponymous album, J.J. Jackson, under the Calla Records label, an imprint known for its roster of R&B and soul artists. This album served as a platform to showcase more of his musical range beyond his signature hit. Interestingly, the liner notes accompanying this album offered a candid, albeit unusual, personal detail about the artist: they stated that he weighed 285 pounds. This specific mention, while seemingly a minor detail in the grand scheme of his musical career, offers a unique glimpse into the unfiltered nature of album packaging from that period, which sometimes provided fans with more personal and less filtered insights into their favorite performers' lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About J.J. Jackson

Who is J.J. Jackson?

J.J. Jackson, born Jerome Louis Jackson, is an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and arranger, widely recognized for his powerful vocal style and his significant contributions to music, particularly in the 1960s.

What is J.J. Jackson's most famous song?

His most famous and enduring hit song is "But It's Alright," which he co-wrote with Pierre Tubbs.

When was "But It's Alright" released?

"But It's Alright" was initially released in 1966 and then re-released in 1969, achieving chart success on both occasions.

What does it mean to have a "belter" singing style?

A "belter" singing style refers to a vocal technique where a singer uses their full vocal power and diaphragm support to produce a loud, strong, and often emotionally intense sound, typically associated with soul, R&B, and gospel music.

What record label did J.J. Jackson release his 1967 album on?

J.J. Jackson released his 1967 self-titled album, J.J. Jackson, on Calla Records.