Willis "Gator" Jackson: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

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• Houston Person
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• Charlie Parker
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• Four Gators

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Born:

Apr 25, 1932 in Miami, FL

Died:

Oct 25, 1987 in New York, NY

Genres:

Piano and Jump Blues Music, Jazz Music, Bop Jazz Music, Swing

Decades Active:

1940's|1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

High

Ratings Guide

An exciting tenor saxophonist whose honking and squeals (although influenced by Illinois Jacquet) were quite distinctive, Willis Jackson was also a strong improviser who sounded perfectly at home with organ groups. He played locally in Florida early on, until joining Cootie Williams (on and off during 1948-1955). His two-sided honking feature "Gator Tail" with "Cootie" (which earned Williams a lifelong nickname) was a hit in 1948, and he started recording as a leader in 1950. Jackson was married to singer Ruth Brown for eight years, and often appeared on her recordings during this era. His extensive series of Prestige recordings (1959-1964) made him a big attraction on the organ circuit. Although generally overlooked by critics, Willis Jackson continued working steadily in the 1970s and '80s. In 1977, he recorded one of the finest albums of his career for Muse, Bar Wars.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide