Died On Ths Date (April 14, 2013) George Jackson / Southern Soul Great

George Jackson
1936 – April 14, 2013

george-jacksonGeorge Jackson was an American southern soul singer and songwriter who penned a number of songs that became major hits throughout the ’70s and ’80s.  Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Jackson eventually settled in Memphis where he wrote songs for such studios and labels as FAME, Goldwax, Muscle Shoals, Malaco and Hi Records.  Over the years, Jackson released numerous records but none achieved the popularity of song of his that were recorded by others.  In 1970, the Osmonds recorded his “One Bad Apple,” which ultimately topped the pop charts.  And Bob Seger had a huge hit with “Old Time Rock And Roll” thanks in part to  Tom Cruise’s iconic dance scene to it in the 1983 film, Risky Business.  The song, co-written with Thomas Jones III, has since become a Classic Rock staple.  Jackson’s “The Only Way Is Up” as performed by Yazz and Coldcut topped the US dance charts and UK charts in 1988.  Others who have recorded his include Otis Clay, James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Z.Z. Hill, and Clarence Carter.   George Jackson died of cancer on April 14, 2013.  He was 68.

Thanks to Tom Ashburn of The Dark End Of The Street on KOOP 91.7FM for the assist.

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Died On This Date (April 27, 1984) Z.Z. Hill / Texas Soul Great

Arziel “Z.Z.” Hill
September 30, 1935 – April 27, 1984

ZZ Hill was a Texas blues singer whose soulful style was also sometimes referred to as Southern Fried Soul.  Hill began his career singing gospel in the late ’50s and moved to California in the early ’60s to begin making R&B records for Kent Records.  His career continued to grow through the ’60s, ’70s but by the ’80s it began to sputter.  And then in 1982, he released Down Home, which not only sparked new life into his career, but into the entire soul-blues genre.  It remained on the soul charts for almost two years and spawned a couple of singles, “Down Home Blues,” and “Somebody Else Is Steppin’ In,” which are considered to be blues standards.  But success was short-lived and Hill suffered a fatal heart attack on April 27, 1984.

What You Should Own

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Down Home - Z.Z. Hill