george jackson

Biography

George Henry Jackson (March 12, 1945 – April 14, 2013) was a prolific American songwriter and soul singer, renowned for his contributions to blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and southern soul. Born in Indianola, Mississippi, Jackson moved to Greenville at age five and was deeply influenced by gospel music, singing in church and absorbing the styles of groups like the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and Sam Cooke’s Soul Stirrers. He began writing songs as a teenager and, after an early introduction to Ike Turner, recorded his first single in New Orleans, though it failed to chart.

Jackson’s career blossomed in Memphis, where he helped form The Ovations and wrote their 1965 hit "It's Wonderful To Be in Love." He also wrote for Goldwax artists such as Spencer Wiggins and James Carr, and recorded with Dan Greer as George and Greer. His versatile tenor, shaped by gospel and soul influences, led to a steady output of singles across various labels, though he never achieved major fame as a performer. Jackson’s true legacy lies in his songwriting: at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, he penned hits for Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, and Candi Staton, among others. Notably, he wrote "One Bad Apple" for The Osmonds and co-wrote "Old Time Rock and Roll," which became a signature hit for Bob Seger.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jackson continued to write for leading soul and blues artists, including Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Bland, Latimore, Denise LaSalle, and Z.Z. Hill. He founded his own publishing company, Happy Hooker Music, and joined Malaco Records as a staff songwriter. Jackson’s work is celebrated for its emotional depth, melodic strength, and enduring influence on the soul genre, cementing his reputation as one of the unsung architects of American soul music.

Fun Facts

• Jackson wrote or co-wrote over 300 songs, many of which became hits for other artists.
• He used the pseudonym 'Bart Jackson' for some recordings with Decca Records.
• His song "One Bad Apple" was originally intended for The Jackson 5, but became a hit for The Osmonds.
• Jackson founded his own publishing company, Happy Hooker Music, in 1983.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sam Cooke - Stylistic influence from gospel and soul singing (Inspired Jackson's vocal style and songwriting approach) [1950s–1960s]
• Ike Turner - Early career supporter; produced Jackson's first single ("Nobody Wants to Cha Cha With Me") [1963]

Key Collaborators

• Dan Greer - Duo partner for songwriting and recording (George and Greer recordings) [1960s]
• Louis Williams - Co-founder of The Ovations and duet partner ("It's Wonderful To Be in Love", "Sam We'll Never Forget You") [1965, 1980]
• Clarence Carter - Frequent songwriting collaborator ("Too Weak To Fight", "Snatching It Back", "The Feeling Is Right") [Late 1960s–1970s]
• Thomas Jones III - Co-writer ("Old Time Rock and Roll") [Late 1970s]

Artists Influenced

• The Osmonds - Provided their first hit with "One Bad Apple" ("One Bad Apple") [1971]
• Bob Seger - Co-wrote "Old Time Rock and Roll", a defining song for Seger ("Old Time Rock and Roll") [1978]
• Z.Z. Hill - Wrote "Down Home Blues", a major hit for Hill ("Down Home Blues") [1981]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Can't Do Without You (The Soul Of George Jackson)
2. Aretha, Sing One for Me (The Blues Sessions)
3. Things Are Getting Better (George Jackson in Memphis 1972-1977)
4. How Can I Get Next To You (George Jackson in Memphis 1972-1977)
5. Walking the City Streets (George Jackson in Memphis 1972-1977)
6. Play Something Pretty (All Because of Your Love)
7. All Because of Your Love (All Because of Your Love)
8. All In My Mind (George Jackson in Memphis 1972-1977)
9. I Want You So Bad (The Soul Of George Jackson)
10. I Don't Need You No Moore (George Jackson in Memphis 1972-1977)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia