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Joe JacksonEnglish musician, songwriter and performer
Date of Birth: 11.09.1954
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Joe Jackson
Early Life and Musical EducationJoe Jackson, born David Ian Jackson, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and performer. He was born in 1954 in Staffordshire, England. His parents, who met when his father was a sailor and his mother was a waitress in a pub, soon moved him to Portsmouth. As an asthmatic child, Jackson grew up weak and sickly, distant from sports, and dedicated his time to books and music. At the age of eleven, he began taking violin lessons and later studied clarinet and oboe. His parents then bought him a second-hand piano, which he took to with great enthusiasm. Playing in school bands and performing in bars and pubs, David honed his skills, and after graduating, he earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1973. By this time, having experienced the stage and performing in concerts, the musician was drawn to popular music and rock, rather than classical music. He soon received an invitation to join the band 'Misty Set,' which he gladly accepted, and shortly after, he showcased his vocals in front of an audience. During the same period, Jackson played keyboards in the Royal Academy's big band, under the direction of John Dankworth, as well as the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. It was also in the early 1970s that Jackson attempted to form his own group, 'Arms and Legs,' but after a few unsuccessful attempts, the band disbanded in 1976. In the mid-1970s, the musician, known at that time as David Jackson, changed his name to a more sonorous one, and since then has been known as Joe Jackson.
Early Career and Breakthrough
In 1977, Joe performed extensively in cabarets and cafes, raising money for his first album. The newly formed band was called the 'Joe Jackson Band,' and shortly after, Joe became the pianist and music director of the cabaret group 'Koffee 'n' Kreme,' whose performance on the talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' was a success. In the late 1970s, Jackson's demo recording was heard by David Kershenbaum, and soon after, a contract was signed between the musician and the record label 'A&M Records.' His first album, 'Look Sharp!', was released in early 1979 and quickly climbed the British charts, firmly establishing itself in the Top 40. It was also released in the United States, where it reached the American Top 20 and was later even nominated for a Grammy. Inspired by his success, both commercially and critically, Joe Jackson wasted no time and released his second album, 'I'm the Man,' in October of the same year. According to the general consensus, which the musician himself supported, this album was a logical continuation of the first one. The success of the album was on par with its predecessor, and Jackson's name became synonymous with artists such as Elvis Costello and Graham Parker. However, his third album, 'Beat Crazy,' released in 1980, unexpectedly did not achieve the same level of success as the first two. Although it had some singles charting on both sides of the Atlantic, it did not soar as high as expected. One possible reason for the lackluster performance was the absence of live performances to support the new albums.
Later Career and Personal Life
After the dissolution of his band in the late 1980s, Joe took a brief hiatus and focused on recording the album 'Jumpin' Jive,' which was released in 1981 and featured a pleasant blend of blues and retro compositions. In the early 1980s, Jackson relocated to New York City, where he would stay for the next two decades. During this time, he also went through a divorce. However, Joe continued to release albums regularly, and in 1982, 'Night and Day' was released, entering the American Top 5. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jackson turned his attention to film, recording several soundtracks for well-known Hollywood movies. His music can be heard in films such as 'Queens Logic' (1991), 'Three of Hearts' (1993), 'There's Something About Mary' (1998), and others.
Throughout the turn of the millennium, Joe Jackson's popularity experienced both highs and not-so-painful lows. After a slight setback with the album 'Night Music' in 1994, Jackson managed to regain his footing, and in 1997, he released the album 'Heaven and Hell,' which rectified the situation. In 1999, Joe Jackson published the book 'A Cure for Gravity: A Musical Pilgrimage,' which he described as an autobiography cleverly disguised as a book about music. In the early 2000s, Jackson's album releases became less frequent compared to the 1980s. However, in 2008, he released 'Rain,' accompanied by a major tour in the UK. Joe Jackson is socially active and known for his anti-smoking advocacy. In recent years, he has spent more time in Berlin, although he still maintains homes in Portsmouth and New York City.
