Tony Jackson
Anthony (Antonio) Jackson (born June 5, 1876 in New Orleans , Louisiana , † April 20, 1920 in Chicago , Illinois ), known as Tony Jackson , was an American pianist, singer and composer. His most famous piece is probably Pretty Baby , which was first released on record in 1916. Several later musicians, especially Jelly Roll Morton , refer to Jackson as one of their main musical role models.
The African American Jackson grew up in poor circumstances. His musical talent showed up early on. When he was about 10 years old, he constructed a kind of harpsichord from found parts , as his family could not afford a piano.
Jackson started playing a honky tonk piano at age 13. At the age of 15 he was considered by many to be the best pianist in New Orleans. He became one of the hippest entertainers in the Storyville entertainment district . Apparently he could keep and play every tune he heard. His repertoire included ragtime , cakewalk , current hits from North and Latin America as well as Europe, blues and popular classical pieces.
Around 1912 Tony Jackson moved to Chicago, where he played in clubs and bars. He died here in 1920 at the age of 44, presumably of syphilis .
Web links
- Biography at Allmusic Guide (English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Jackson, Tony |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Jackson, Anthony; Jackson, Antonio |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American pianist, singer and composer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | June 5, 1876 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | New Orleans , Louisiana |
| DATE OF DEATH | April 20, 1920 |
| Place of death | Chicago , Illinois |