R.I.P. Eddie Jackson
sent in by Kenny Bruce
taken from Detroit Free Press
Eddie Jackson, Detroit's "Golden Boy" of country music
from 1940's - 1980's, passed away in the early
afternoon Monday, January 14. Eddie was a good friend
and I can't tell you how much he's gonna to be missed.
Always jovial, smiling, and quick witted, he was a joy
to play with and I'm proud to be on his last few
recordings. He taught Bones and I much about playing,
performing, and being a gentleman. Among Eddie's hit
songs were ROCK n' ROLL BABY, BABY DOLL, I'M LEARNING,
and YOU PUT IT THERE which was covered by Marti Brom
on her Snake Ranch CD. Brian McCollum of the Detroit
Free Press was kind enough to include a piece in
today's obits, which is below. I'm a better person
having been associated with Eddie. Thank you, Eddie
Jackson, for leaving the world so much better than you
found it.
May your soul rest in peace.
Kenny Bruce
Eddie Jackson
Country Music Star
When Detroit was still packed with fresh Southern
transplants half a century ago, the local country
music scene was thriving. And Eddie Jackson was right
on top.
Mr. Jackson, who delighted decades of
audiences with his blend of Western swing and
rockabilly, died Monday in Warren of Complications
from pneumonia. He was 75.
Born in Cookesville, Tenn., James Edward Jackson
moved with his family to Detroit as a child. He
learned to play guitar in his teens and backed up such
groups as Evelyn Hare's Swingtime Cowgirls and Paul
Perry's Ramblers.
After a stint in the Navy during World War II, Mr.
Jackson returned home to forge a music career. With
his ensemble, the Swingsters, he became a regular at
such Detroit venues as the Deauville Bar and Caravan
Gardens, where he performed through the 1970's.
Big-time guests often stopped in to join him on stage,
including Lefty Frizell, Webb Pierce and Red Foley.
Mr. Jackson was also a member of the house band on
the "Michigan Barn Dance" program, a 1950's TV variety
show.
"He opened up a whole new world for me. Whenever I
pick up the guitar I'm playing exactly like he taught
me to play", said Maki, 31.
Mr. Jackson was a full time musician who supplemented
his income with investments in the auto parts
business. He moved to Warren in the mid-1970's.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Jackson; a son,
William Jackson; a daughter, Vicki Cartwright; a
brother, and six grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at Rudy's
Funeral Home in Center Line.
Brian McCollum