Reggae lost one of its founding hands. Clifton “Jackie” Jackson, legendary bassist of Kingston, passed away on Wednesday 23 of September at Cornwall Regional Hospital of Montego Bay, to the 79 ago.
Jackson was one of the most important session musicians in Jamaican musical history., since the mark of his bass is in songs that defined ska, rocksteady and reggae since the mid-aughts 60, although very few people know his name.
His career began in the studio Treasure Isle from the producer Duke Reid, where was part of The Supersonics, the session band that accompanied an entire generation of Jamaican artists.
There he played “Girl I’ve Got a Date” of Alton Ellis, “Little Nut Tree” of The Melodians and “Queen Majesty” of The Techniques.
with the producer Leslie Kong He recorded some of the best-known songs in Jamaican music., as “Israelites” of Desmond Dekker and the Aces, “By the Rivers of Babylon” of The Melodians, and two classics Jimmy Cliff as “The Harder They Come” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”.
In 1972 His work crossed to the other side of the Atlantic and alongside Jamaican musicians Hux Brown and Neville Hinds, played on “Mother and Child Reunion” of Paul Simon, included on the American artist's debut album that same year.
Fifty years with Toots
But his most extensive and recognized work was with Toots and the Maytals, with whom he toured during 50 ago. Your bass sound is on “Pressure Drop”, “Funky Kingston” and “Sweet and Dandy“, three of the greatest anthems of classic reggae.
He was also a constant presence in the music scene of Montego Bay, mentoring musicians and artists for decades, including his wife, Karen Smith, died in 2021.
In February of 2026 participated in the event Back-2-Bass-es along with figures like Boris Gardiner, Lloyd Parks and Flabba Holt.
“The beautiful thing about the music I have played over the years is that it will always be there to inspire more generations.. And that's something I can be very proud of.”, said on that occasion.
In addition, in 2012 received the Order of Distinction for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music.
