Wayne Jackson (musician)

Wayne Jackson
Wayne Jackson, 2013
Wayne Jackson, 2013
Background information
Birth nameWayne Lamar Jackson
Born(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
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Trumpet, trombone, French Horn
Years active1961–2016
LabelsStax
Formerly ofMemphis Horns The Mar-Keys

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]

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.

In 2012, the Memphis Horns received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding artistic significance in music.[7]

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]

  1. ^ Grimes, William (June 22, 2014). "Wayne Jackson, Memphis Horns Trumpeter, Dies at 74". The New York Times. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  2. ^ Sainz, Adrian (June 23, 2014). "Wayne Jackson, trumpeter of the Memphis Horns, dies at 74". "The Washington Post. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  3. ^ Allmusic profile of the Memphis Horns
  4. ^ "The Memphis Horns Wayne Jackson & Andrew Love". Archived from the original on January 20, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  5. ^ Kreps, Daniel (June 22, 2016). "Wayne Jackson, Memphis Horns Legend, Dead at 74". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Mehr, Bob (June 21, 2016). "Memphis Horns' Wayne Jackson dies at 74". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  7. ^ Lifetime Achievement Award: The Memphis Horns Booker T. Jones pays tribute to founding members Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love, February 7, 2012