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3580 Robinson Rd.

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George Jackson Obituary

George Henry Jackson

Internationally acclaimed songwriter George Jackson passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013. Born in Indianola, MS on March 12, 1945, to Otis and Letha Jackson, George moved with his family in 1950 to Greenville, MS, grew up there, and dedicated his life to Christ at an early age.

George spent his teen years listening as the radio played records by the fabulous gospel groups and soul singers who frequented the Mississippi River Delta towns. George always had a song on his mind. His career in music began in the early 60's as an active vocalist and songwriter in Memphis, where he made his home for the next 26 years.

In 1969, George's reputation as a songwriter caught the attention of Rick Hall at Fame Records in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and he was signed as a Fame songwriter. George's first of many Gold Records as a songwriter, "One Bad Apple" by The Osmonds, came soon after his arrival at Fame.

After five years with Fame, George moved across town to another Muscle Shoals music mecca, Muscle Shoals Sound, where he continued to turn out great hit songs at a phenomenal pace. One of George's MSS demo recordings actually became his biggest hit ever: Bob Seger's 1979 rock classic, "Old Time Rock & Roll". Another of George's MSS songs "Down Home Blues" by Z. Z. Hill, released by Malaco Records in 1982, became the best known blues song of the 80's and Malaco's biggest hit. "Unlock Your Mind" recorded by the Staple Singers and "The Only Way Is Up" recorded by Otis Clay and Yazz & The Plastic Population were two of George's other MSS songs to reach the top of the music charts.

George signed as a writer for Malaco Records in 1983 where he continued writing hit songs for Blues and Soul icons Z. Z. Hill, Denise LaSalle, Little Milton, Latimore, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Shirley Brown. George also enjoyed success with songs recorded by Christina Aguilera, Luther Ingram, Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Joss Stone, Ike & Tina Turner, Billy Swan, Millie Jackson, Etta James, James Brown, Candy Staton and many others.

George made his home in Jackson, Mississippi since 1991. He is survived by his son, George, Jr., grandson Alex Jackson, granddaughter, Kazia Jackson, sisters Ruby Franklin and Elzina Williams, and Uncle Appienola Anderson. He is preceded in death by brothers Otis Jr., William Marshall, Douglas Ward, sister Emma Tyler and grandson Akeem Jackson.

George Jackson's legion of fans worldwide mourn his passing and treasure his uplifting spirit and the immeasurable joys so many find in the words of his songs. One of George's timeless gospel songs says best what his last wish might be.... "Lord, Remember Me".

Services will be held Saturday, April 20. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM, at Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, 3580 Robinson Road, with burial at Garden Memorial Cemetery, 8001 Highway 49N, Jackson, MS.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Apr. 18, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for George Jackson

Not sure what to say?





Jacqueline Williams

March 19, 2014

Happy Birthday Soldier. I miss you.

Your niece,

Jacqueline

Joann Turner

February 22, 2014

Sorry for your lost we were childhood friends in Greenville, ms.just heard about his passing

February 3, 2014

I have had the pleasure of knowing the Jackson family since high school with his younger brother, Douglas..First time I meet George was in Toledo Oh at his brother`s funeral...Listening to him on the radio all those years in Greenville, finally met him in person..He is no doubt one of the greatest singers and songwriter that ever lived. My prayers to GOD to remember George and I will always remember too.

Jacqueline Williams

December 24, 2013

Uncle George, thank you for inspiring me to write my new song. Thank you for believing in me.

Your niece,

Jacqueline Williams

Jacqueline Williams

November 28, 2013

Miss you Soldier.

November 28, 2013

You will forever live in my heart Uncle George.

Your niece,

Jacqueline Williams,

Alys Zaerin

May 28, 2013

Deepest sympathy for the Jackson family. I came accross this gifted man when his song "I lived through a losing battle" was played on the radio a few months ago. At the time I was struggling through some really hard times in my life and this song really up lifted me, gave me hope and made everything feel alright. It has since become one of my most treasured and loved tunes. Today, as I mark a painful anniversary, I was hoping I could thank Mr Jackson himself for sharing his wonderful gift with the world. I am very sorry to see that I am a few weeks too late. So, to his family I would like to give thanks and say that with his voice and writing gift, Mr Jackson touched many souls and left a beautiful mark on this world. Sincere condolances.

gloria cook

May 27, 2013

my sympathy George jr. may the heavenly light continue to shine on you.

Angela Fletcher/Robinson

April 28, 2013

My condolences to the Jackson family. I have fond memories as a teenager growing up in Memphis of George showing up at my Aunt Katie's house on Sunday just in time for dinner. He was a kind, compassionate and extremely talented man. I am honored to have crossed paths with such a remarkable human being.

Linda Lucchesi

April 26, 2013

My deepest sympathies to George's family and all of the people at Malaco. He was one of the best songwriters I have ever known.

Sincerely,
Linda Lucchesi

Patricia Henderson

April 23, 2013

My deepest condolences to the entire Jackson family. George will NEVER be forgotten. I have many fond memories from "back in the day", of being on the road with George and the guys of Nu-Trend band. We literally ate, slept and breathed nothing but the music, from gospel to rock n roll. George always brought the house down wherever he and the band performed. You knew that George was born to spread his gift of music and he did just that. George was a great songwriter and could always come up with the right words or rhyme for a song. Thank you also for my song "Patricia". Hey I'm very glad our paths crossed in this lifetime. I'll miss ya. Rest in peace. Luv, Patricia

Joe B. Cutchins, Jr.- Blues Singer

April 22, 2013

One of the most prolific songwriters of our time. His songs will live on forever. RIP George.

Claire Jackson

April 19, 2013

To George Jr and Alex
The Charjean Faculty and Students would like to send our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Charjean Elementary Staff and Students of Memphis Tn

April 19, 2013

sorry for your loss.

emma williams

April 19, 2013

george you will be miss very much from emma williams i met you through your uncle appienola anderson in chicago and i later moved to jackson . took you placed you need to go until you start driving again you will be miss,i remember bring your uncle down to see you a lots .but you in a better place now .

George Henry Jackson rest in peace.

Elzina Williams

April 18, 2013

I will always love you little brother.
Rest in the peace of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Elzina Williams
Your big sister

Jacqueline Williams

April 18, 2013

The light of love will always shine in my heart for you, Uncle George Henry Jackson.

Love Always,

Jacqueline Williams
your niece.

Jacqueline Williams

April 18, 2013

I will always love you Uncle George.

I will always remember your smile and your kindness towards me while I took care of you 20 something years ago with Cancer, we fought it and you beat it. It came knocking again last year in May and we were fighting another battle together but this round was tough and I knew God, would not give you more than you could bear. So we prayed together and asked him to let his will be done. I nicknamed you Soldier because of your fighting spirit. Uncle George, words could not express my love and gratitude towards all that you have done for me.

Love Always,

Jacqueline Williams, Your niece

Rest in peace Soldier

Jacqueline Williams

April 18, 2013

Uncle George rest in peace.

Jacqueline Williams your niece.

Uncle George, I will always love you. Your niece, Jacqueline Williams

Jacqueline Williams

April 18, 2013

Mary Straw-Chambers

April 18, 2013

With deepest sympathy to the family and friends of George.

April 18, 2013

My condolences to the Jackson family. God gives us a wonderful hope, including the prospect of living in a paradise on earth and seeing the resurrection of our dead loved ones. Luke 23:43.

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Funeral services provided by:

Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. - Jackson

3580 Robinson Rd., Jackson, MS 39209

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