Quick Facts
Biography
Fred Jackson (born 1929) is an American rhythm and blues and jazz tenor saxophonist.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Jackson began his career as an R&B saxophonist. He performed in Little Richard's band from 1951 until 1953. Jackson also accompanied vocalist Billy Wright, appearing on several recordings for Savoy Records. Later in the decade, he joined vocalist Lloyd Price's band, performing in concert tours during a peak in Price's popularity. Jackson also served as the bandleader for vocalist Chuck Willis. In 1961, Jackson recorded with B.B. King.
Jackson began making jazz recordings during the early 1960s, accompanying soul jazz organists such as John Patton and Baby Face Willette on several Blue Note albums. In 1962, he recorded one album, Hootin' 'n Tootin', under his own name for Blue Note. (The album's organist, Earl Van Dyke, joined The Funk Brothers at Motown.) Jackson led a subsequent recording session for Blue Note, but these tracks were not released until 1998, when they were appended to the CD edition of Hootin' 'n Tootin'.
After the mid-1960s, Jackson continued playing R&B and soul music but largely disappeared from the jazz scene.
Discography
As leader
- Hootin' 'n Tootin' (Blue Note, 1962)
As sideman/guest
With Baby Face Willette
- Face to Face (Blue Note, 1961)
With Big John Patton
- Along Came John (Blue Note, 1963)
- The Way I Feel (Blue Note, 1964)
With others
- 1973 The Grand Wazoo, Frank Zappa
- 1974 Wrap Around Joy, Carole King
- 1977 All 'n' All, Earth, Wind, and Fire
- 1977 Just Family, Dee Dee Bridgewater
- 1977 Romantic Journey, Norman Connors
- 1978 Fire on Ice, Terry Callier
- 1978 Supernatural High, Freda Payne
- 1989 The Formative Years 1951–53, Little Richard
- 1997 Jazz Profile, Horace Silver
- 1997 My Time: The Anthology (1969–1997), Boz Scaggs
- 1997 The Very Best of Diane Schuur
- 2001 Fourever, The Four Tops
- 2002 Ultimate Collection, Quincy Jones
- 2004 Grover Mitchell Big Band
- 2006 Nothing Will Be as It Was...Tomorrow/Everyday Everynight, Flora Purim
- 2010 So Many Roads: An Anthology 1964–1974, John Mayall
- 2011 Singular Genius: The Complete ABC Singles, Ray Charles
- 2011 That Funky Thang, Charles Wright
- 2013 Music on My Mind/Life, Love & Harmony, Nancy Wilson