Musicians turn out for ‘Jackie’ Jackson farewell

Throughout his storied 60-year career, Clifton “Jackie” Jackson played in some of the world’s biggest arenas. In Jamaica, the legendary bassist found solace among the brethren at St James Parish Church in Montego Bay, where he was a long-standing member. It was there that relatives and colleagues gathered for his thanksgiving service on October 31. Jackson, known for playing on some of reggae’s most revered songs, also had a 50-year association with Toots and The Maytals. He died on September 23 at age 79 at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. Speakers at last week’s service remembered an exemplary musician and family man who gave selflessly to the community and aspiring artistes. Drummer Paul Douglas, who toured and recorded with Jackson as a member of The Maytals for 50 years, recalled that benevolence in a tearful tribute. “It wasn’t only about empathy with Jackie, he had compassion. His infinite wisdom was appreciated by us all,” said Douglas. For almost 30 years Jackson led the house band at Dream Resorts Rose Hall and Spa in St James. Shelly Bartley, that hotel’s entertainment manager, spoke about his contribution to the Jamaican leisure industry. “Jackie also made a meaningful contribution to tourism and Brand Jamaica. He brought our island’s talent, music, and culture to guests from around the world, helping to create lasting connections with Jamaica,” she said. The service was attended by Jackson’s four children — Marie, Jheannel, Jhanine, and Courtni. Youngest of the siblings, Courtni, presented renditions of Phyllis Dillon’s Don’t Stay Away, one of the many songs her father played on; and Bob Dylan’s Knocking on Heaven’s Door, which she said was a favourite of her mother Karen Smith, who died in 2021. Other musical tributes came from saxophonist Dean Fraser, who did an instrumental take on Luther Vandross’s Dance With my Father Again. And singer Duane Stephenson, who performed Jimmy Cliff’s immortal Many Rivers to Cross, another song Jackson played on. The eulogy was delivered by music analyst Clyde McKenzie, who revisited Jackson’s stellar career at the Treasure Isle studio, as well as his playing on classic songs by The Melodians, The Wailers, Paul Simon, and Toots and The Maytals. Childhood friend Copeland Forbes traced their bond to the Boys’ Scout movement, while Maxine Bisasor-Bryan read a tribute on behalf of Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange. The service was officiated by the Venerable Justin Nembhard, former rector of St James Parish Church. Many musicians attended the service. Among them were former Maytals member and keyboardist Charles Farquharson; bassists Lloyd Parks and Frankie Campbell; singer Gem Myers; drummers Paul Kastick, Kirk Bennett, Devon Richardson, and Bobby Stewart; and keyboardist Bowie McLaughlin.