Born in Miami, Florida, Jackson joined Duke Ellington alumnus Cootie Williams's band in 1949 as a teenager, after being discovered by Eddie Vinson. During the 1950s Jackson participated in R&B and jazz recordings, primarily as a session musician. He also toured as leader of the backing band of singer Ruth Brown, whom he married. Jackson joined Prestige Records in 1959, making a string of jazz albums that proved to an influence on the burgeoning soul jazz movement.[citation needed] During this era, Jack McDuff and Pat Martino became famous through association with Jackson. Jackson's main influences were Lester Young and Illinois Jacquet.
Jamaican ska innovator Prince Buster has cited Jackson's song "Later for the Gator" as one of the first ska songs.
Jackson died in New York City one week after heart surgery, in October 1987, at the age of 55.
Jamaican ska innovator Prince Buster has cited Jackson's song "Later for the Gator" as one of the first ska songs.
Jackson died in New York City one week after heart surgery, in October 1987, at the age of 55.
Born in Miami, Florida, Jackson joined Duke Ellington alumnus Cootie Williams's band in 1949 as a teenager, after being discovered by Eddie Vinson. During the 1950s Jackson participated in R&B and jazz recordings, primarily as a session musician. He also toured as leader of the backing band of singer Ruth Brown, whom he married. Jackson joined Prestige Records in 1959, making a string of jazz albums that proved to an influence on the burgeoning soul jazz movement.[citation needed] During this era, Jack McDuff and Pat Martino became famous through association with Jackson. Jackson's main influences were Lester Young and Illinois Jacquet.
Jamaican ska innovator Prince Buster has cited Jackson's song "Later for the Gator" as one of the first ska songs.
Jackson died in New York City one week after heart surgery, in October 1987, at the age of 55.
Jamaican ska innovator Prince Buster has cited Jackson's song "Later for the Gator" as one of the first ska songs.
Jackson died in New York City one week after heart surgery, in October 1987, at the age of 55.
Gravesite Details
Willis may have been cremated as details following his death in NYC are unknown. He is included in this cemetery as influential fellow musicians of his are buried here.
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