J.J. JACKSON

This is a tribute to saxophonist and bandleader J.J. JACKSON and his band The Hitchhikers.The music was recorded live in a Utica,N.Y. nightclub in 1968.Born Willie B. Jackson on sept.23rd,1930 in Clayton,Alabama he began a life in music after moving to Detroit,teaching himself to play on a horn he bought in a pawnshop.While living in the motor city,J.J. played with John Lee Hooker,Sonny Boy Williamson,Big Maybelle and the Buddy Johnson Orchestra.He later settled in Waterloo,Iowa,working with Earl Hooker with whom he recorded on the cuca label.J.J. "JUMP" Jackson also formed a band with guitarist Lee Cooper around this time of 1964-65. In 1965 J.J. moved to Utica,N.Y. where his mother and sisters lived.He formed J.J. and the Hitchhikers.They were the most popular soul band around. They played frequently at the Brown Derby,Miner's Grill and Walt's circle bar.Fronting the band was the great deep soul singer Danny Bowens.When in town members of James Brown's band would stop by after hours to hear the band after their shows at the Utica Auditorium. During the 80's and 90's J.J would spin records and play with the bands of Larry Davis,Jimmy Wolf,Bobby Green,DR.BLUE,Steve Grills among others.J.J. Passed on March 27th 1998 leaving his wife Mardena and 13 children.He is greatly missed.