Died On This Date (October 1, 1975) Al Jackson Jr. / Booker T & The MGs
themusicsover Al Jackson Jr.
November 27, 1934 – October 1, 1975
Al Jackson, Jr. was a much respected drummer, producer and songwriter who is best remembered for his work as a member of the house band for Stax Records, Booker T. & the M.G.s. Jackson started drumming as a child and is even reported to have played on stage with his father’s jazz band as early as the age of five. He eventually joined up with Booker T. Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and Steve Cropper to form the equally integrated R&B band, Booker T. and the M.G.s (Cropper and Dunn are both white). Together (and separately) they played on countless R&B hits, including those by Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett. In 1962, the group released the instrumental, “Green Onions” which became an iconic hit that has been heard in countless movies, television shows and commercials over the years. In the early hours of October 1, 1975, Jackson returned home from watching the Joe Frazier – Muhammad Ali fight on a local movie theater screen. He was met by an intruder or intruders who shot and killed him execution style. Details of the incident have remained fuzzy, but some believe that his wife was in on it. A suspect who apparently knew Jackson’s wife, was shot and killed in a gun battle with police nine months later. It is not clear if it was related to the Jackson killing.
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