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Harold "Hal" Jackson
Harold "Hal" Jackson
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Harold Jackson Obituary
Jackson died Wednesday in a hospital, said Deon Levingston, vice president and general manager at WBLS, a station owned by Inner City Broadcasting, which Jackson co-founded.
Paul Heine, senior editor at Inside Radio, a trade publication, said Jackson "was the godfather of black radio."
"His longevity and his breaking down the doors, breaking the color barrier, he really made it possible for African-Americans who followed him to work in the medium," Heine said.
Jackson had been on the air as recently as a couple of weeks ago, hosting a Sunday show on WBLS.
"His energy was amazing," Levingston said.
Heine said Jackson still continued to show up at radio conventions, as well.
"He didn't need to do these things," he said. "He was so passionate and so dedicated to the medium."
Mayor Michael Bloomberg desc ribed Jackson as a "legend."
"Hal was not only the first African-American voice on network radio or the first African-American play-by-play sports announcer, but an iconic legend who - during the Civil Rights movement - gave voice to the many who simply did not have one," he said.
Jackson began his career in Washington, D.C., as the first African-American play-by-play sports announcer. He moved to New York in the 1950s where he hosted three different radio shows, broadcasting a mix of music and conversation, including jazz and celebrities.
Jackson later co-founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, one of the first broadcasting companies wholly owned by African-Americans. The company acquired WBLS, which pioneered the urban contemporary format. Jackson continued to host a program each week on WBLS.
In 1995, Jackson became the first African-American to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
103 Entries
twanda rivera
June 20, 2012
I heard so much about u from my mother n hope that onedat i can compeate in hall jacksons talented teens ur in my prayers rest in peace
GREGORY BEASLEY
June 9, 2012
Jewell Jackson McCabe
June 3, 2012
My father was an inspiration to many; launched the careers of musicians spanning seven decades from the 1930's to the present. HBJ was the first to "Break" songs by Ahmet Ertegun [HBJ's 1st radio-show "The House that Jack Built" theme song "The House that Blues Built" launched Atlantic records], the Commodores featuring Lionel Richie right up to today's Alicia Keys ... I am bursting with pride, love worship ... Jewell Jackson McCabe
How you can show support
June 3, 2012
Loved Hal Jackson on Sundays when I lived in Newark, NJ; moved to Florida in 2004 and still continued to listen to Hal on Sunday's on WBLS via radio- he will be missed. May the Lord grant peace to his family of millions.
CSM - Lynn Haven, FL
Alexis Perry
June 2, 2012
My sincerest condolences to the Jackson Family. RIP Mr. Jackson.
Alvin Rowe
June 1, 2012
Hal you did it your way! Thank you for all you did for me as a young black man! I will always remember you as an icon in the lives of so many young women, some that I worked with as a California sponsor for Hal Jackson Talented Teens International Pageant..I will never forget you smile or your voice. Go and rest and if you happen to see Wilda or Neil Rose tell them I love them and I miss them too... "I will always love you"
Karen Yancey-Lee
June 1, 2012
RIP Mr.Jackson. Radio has lost a true legend..... Thank you for the Talented Teens at Palisades Park,what and inspiration for young Black girls in the late 60's and early 70's.Condolences to your family!!!
June 1, 2012
I will miss Mr.Jackson on Sunday mornings. debbie "B" I think U should keep the sunday morning show.
GARY MAYO
June 1, 2012
HAL JACKSON RIP! I remember growing up listening to you broacasting live from Palisades Amusement Park and then when you moved to WBLS when it was WLIB-FM and it was at 310 Lenox Ave before 801 2nd Ave and then 3 Park Avenue and now 360 Hudson Street. It was always a pleasure to listen to the Sunday Classics! I met you when I was doing my college intership at WBLS back in 1979 and you always told me "Stay focused and let it happen"! Thank you for enhancing my life and for touching others for all these years. YOU WILL BE MISSED!THE CHAIRMAN EMERTITUS ALONG WITH MR PERCY SUTTON WERE THE TRAILBLAZERS IN BLACK RADIO! Condolences to the family!
Chantal Bowen
May 31, 2012
To the Jackson family, my deepest sympathy.Mr Jackson was my hero for providing a place for young teens to showcase their talent. Thanks for HJTT.May your soul RIP.
Veronica Morrison
May 31, 2012
My deepest condolances to the Jackson family.Mrs Jackson, I know that you will continue on with his good work.HJTT will certainly miss him.His work on earth is completed, now he is with the angels.
May 31, 2012
Thank you for Hal Jackson's Talented Teen competition. You will be missed. Mrs Jackson will carry on your work. My deepest condolances to the Jackson family.
Chantal Bowen
LaVerne Ben-Mansel
May 31, 2012
HAL JACKSON PAVED THE WAY FOR SO MANY PEOPLE> MY HUSBAND WAS ONE OF THEM > HE WAS WITH A GROUP CALLED "EXUMA"> THANK YOU HAL FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BECAUSE YOUR WORK ON EARTH IS TRULY DONE!
May 31, 2012
GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY. HE WAS A LEGEND IN OUR HOUSEHOLD EVERY SUNDAY WITH HIS "SUNDAY CLASSICS." I WILL MISS HEARING HIS DISTINCTIVE VOICE. I GREW UP WITH HIM AND RAISED MY CHILD WITH HIM.
SAUNDRA GRANT
May 31, 2012
GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY. HE WAS A LEGEND IN OUR HOUSEHOLD EVERY SUNDAY WITH HIS "SUNDAY CLASSICS." I WILL MISS HEARING HIS DISTINCTIVE VOICE. I GREW UP WITH HIM AND RAISED MY CHILD WITH HIM.
Joseph Woodard
May 31, 2012
As someone who aspired to broadcasting I loved Hal Jackson. There were so many songs I love that were introduced by my listening on Sundays. "Gimmie That Wine" comes to mind. I wasn't aware of his contributions until later. Godspeed...
BERNICE LOADHOLT
May 30, 2012
HAL JACKSON VOICE WILL BE MISSED ON THE RADIO BUT I WILL REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES HE GAVE US ON THE RADIO EVERY SUNDAY MORNING HE WILL BE TRUELY MISSED MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE JACKSON FAMILY RIP GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTAN
Cecil williams
May 30, 2012
hal was here in NY every sunday afternoon and we danced in love to each tune and he deposited in the eight parts of speech an endless love of even an etude a rock and roll and I see it showering me in niceties
As I slept I had a dream and why not are you alive politically accomplished
May 30, 2012
Im sorry for your loss. May you take comfort and encouragement knowing that the "Hearer of prayer" is eager to grant you strength to cope with such a difficult time like this. (Psalm 65:2)
ED SHAW
May 29, 2012
Hal was a giant among those who knew or just heard him; may his spirit and words of wisdom live on in each of us always.
Constance Saunders
May 29, 2012
What a class act. We will miss his wonderful voice and his great dedication to black radio. R.I.P. Mr. Hal Jackson.
Elaine Smith
May 29, 2012
What a sweet testimony from the heart of God in sharing with the world this great and wonderful spirit whom we have known as "Hal Jackson." May the peace of God rest upon the family.
P.S
May 29, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bobby Wall
May 28, 2012
To the Jackson family, may God watch you in your time of need , we will miss hearing your voice as others will but now he will be bringing sweet music to the masses in Heaven, We Love you Mr. Hal Jackson and thanks for all you've done for the Black Experience.
Bobby Wall
May 28, 2012
To the Jackson family, may God watch you in your time of need , we will miss hearing his voice as others will but now he will be bringing sweet music to the masses in Heaven, We Love you Mr. Hal Jackson and thanks for all you've done for the Black Experience.
Brenda Newton
May 27, 2012
I loved "Hal Jackson's Sunday Classics" so much that I taped a few to bring with me when I moved to Maryland over 20 years ago. I missed you then 7 I miss you more, now!
Richard Whitaker
May 27, 2012
Richard & Carolyn Whitaker
May 27, 2012
No words ever so true...."If you find in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded."
-Maya Angelou
Much Peace and my prayers for you Jane and family ! Teresa Lee (Silver Spring, MD)
May 27, 2012
To the Jackson family:
I am sorry for your loss. May God of tender mercies give you some peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time. 2Cor. 1:2,3
Jerry Pittman
May 26, 2012
Thanks Hal, for playing our records and being a good guy. Miss seeing him in L.A.
Jerry Pittman
grady
May 26, 2012
We're losing here... where are the gains? I don't think we realize how important people like Hal and Frankie were to our well being and ability to survive. THANKS Hal for your service, condolences to the Jackson family.
Sara Lee
May 26, 2012
You could not live in the metro NYC area and not remember listening to Mr. Hal Jackson on the radio, if my memory serves me right, the 1600 s black radio station. Well done Good and Faithful Servant.; Our GOD is waiting to welcome you home to the room HE Has Prepared for you as promised. AMEN and AMEN.
M
May 26, 2012
To the family and friends of Mr Jackson, my deepest condolences on the loss of such an icon. Psalm 18:1-3 reminds us that God is the source of our strength and s secure stronghold in times of distress. Keep his wonderful memories alive.
May 26, 2012
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. As the Bible says: "And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Georgia
D. Harrell
May 26, 2012
To the Jackson Family,
This seems to be the year of losing legends. Hal Jackson was certainly a legend and more. I was much younger when Hal was on the scene, but my brothers and sisters remember him well and his name was a household word around our house because he was a "first." Our prayers are with you and your family.
Kenny Holmes,Sr.
May 26, 2012
R.I.P. HAL,From Kenny J Holmes,Sr and Family Kendrell,Kenny Jr.,Kentrell,Kendra-Nea and Kenya
Wayne Scott
May 26, 2012
God Bless You "Hal", First it was Don C and now You Mr Jackson, Maybe there will be a Soul Train Line in Heaven. Be Bless and Take Care,
Wayne Robert Scott
May 26, 2012
To the family-
"May the Lord of Peace himself give you peace constantly in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
Davis
May 26, 2012
To the Jackson Family, during your time of grief, I send my sincere condolences. God (Ps 83:18) is for us a refuge and strength and he wants us to throw our burdens on him (Ps 55:22)
Olga P.
May 25, 2012
My condolences to the Jackson family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Eccdlesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Angeline. E Brown
May 25, 2012
To the Jackson family the African American community mourns the passing of your loveD one. The community news and great music was the legacy that Mr. Jackson will always carry, entertainment clean and classy, never a bad word and unkind statement, just straight up classiness . We were able to hear in his voice he loved what he did. And we loved him. Thank God and Thank Hal Jackson. Well done thy good and faithful servant. To God be the Glory.
Elder & Mrs. Charles Julious Ruff
May 25, 2012
To the Jackson Family, our prayers go out to you. Hal will truly be deeply missed
g s
May 25, 2012
Thank you for all you done for us. May bless this family richly wtih love,power, and peace.
Vanessa Clyburn
May 25, 2012
To the Jackson Family my prayers go out to your family he will truly be deeply missed.
Vanessa Clybur Clark, Paterson NJ
Toys R Us.
John Shinnick
May 25, 2012
"Sunday morning classics", Thank you Mr. Jackson for years of the best music around and helping me show my kids what great music really is. Rest in Peace.God Bless his Family.
May 25, 2012
THANK YOU!!
Anita Taylor
May 25, 2012
So sad to hear that Mr. Jackson has passed. He will be right at home in the Big Studio in Heaven..Just think , instead of playing the " records " of all the Good Oldies, he can just invite them all to the Studio to perform for The Lord... most of the good ones are there already...
I remember seeing him Em Cee Shows in New York. What great memories. Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
john risso
May 25, 2012
You will be missed. Many years of enjoyment.
Jade Harris
May 25, 2012
To the Jackson Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I was apart of the Teen pageant circuit, first as a contestant and then as a director. We have lost a great man but our lost is heaven's gain.
Be blessed and call on the Lord for comfort.
Denise Morgan
May 25, 2012
May you rest in Peace, you are a rare jewel and rest in God's loving arms. I meet Frankie Crocker at WBLS and this was an life time experience for me.
Michelle S
May 25, 2012
I will miss him on Sunday mornings! May he rest in peace.
Melvina Watts-Young
May 25, 2012
May God Bless and Keep you in your time of sorrow. Mr. Hal Jackson was a great man and a Household name. I remember growing up in Newark,N.J. in the 60's and 70's and seeing him at Weequahic HS talent shows,pep rallies, football games and even marching hand by hand with him during some civil-rights movements. Thank you again for opening the doors for many through your music and endeavors. A JOB WELL DONE..May you R.I.P
Dr. Lester G. Morrow, II
May 25, 2012
You were not only the consumate professional, you were the role model in whom we were all so justifiable proud. Thank you fora life time of wonderful memories.
Dr. Lester G. Morrow
May 25, 2012
You were one of a kind, and will be dearly missed.
May 25, 2012
To the family of Harold Jackson may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
Joshua & Lois Ingram
May 24, 2012
Mr. Jackson will surely be missed by all who ever listen to him on the radio. May he rest in peace. He has paid his dues. May GOD continue to bless his family.
Maryellen
May 24, 2012
God Bless you and your family. R.I.P. Mr. Jackson.
May 24, 2012
To the family of Harold "HAL" Jackson,may the God of comfort grant you peace.[Psalms29:11]
Robert King
May 24, 2012
RIP you will be missed
Mr Wilson
May 24, 2012
You will be missed..
Mildred Haughton
May 24, 2012
May God bless and keep you in your time of sorry
to the Jackson family
Mildred Haughton, Mildred Johnson
(Houston,Texas)
Denetra Smiley
May 24, 2012
I met Mr. Jackson in the late 80's when I was a contestant in the Hal Jackson Talented Teen Pageant he did a lot for the youth and I really enjoyed participating in the pageant as it gave me an opportunity to participate in community projects as a queen and was able to travel to the US Virgin Islands as a contestant. Thank you Mr. Jackson for all your time and my once in a lifetime opportunity that I can now share with my grandchildren. R.I.P.
May 24, 2012
My heart goes to the family in the loss of their loved one. He will be truly missed. I listened to the radio almost every Sunday on the way home from church. The oldies but goodies.
God Bless you
Sarah, Irvington, NJ
May 24, 2012
Thank you for paving the way. May God Bless you and your family.
Chuck King
May 24, 2012
I use to listen to Hal on WNJR when I lived in Newark. Time surely flies. RIP!
May 24, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with the family at this time. Romans 15:33.
Sonya Lee
May 24, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
mary holmes
May 24, 2012
My heart and prayers is in behalf of family and friends,my condolences to you.
C. Nabor
May 24, 2012
During a difficult time such as this, help from our loving Creator can prove helpful. In the bible book of James 4:8, we are invited to draw close to God, and He in turn will draw close to us. I hope that this scriptural thought will give you the needed help to cope during your grief.
Patterson
May 24, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Jackson Family. May the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief. ( John 5:28 and 29
May 24, 2012
Our Deepest sympathy to Mr. Jackson's family. He was a legend in the broadcasting world and brought great music to all. He will really be missed. The family is in our prayers. God Bless. William & Karen White
PAT BOHANNON
May 24, 2012
CONGRATULATIONS MR JACKSON, THANK YOU SO MUCH, MY PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. MUCH LOVE & RESPECT.
May 24, 2012
My prayers to the family,"Thank you Mr. Jackson for your perserverence and paving the way for us to follow",Eddie(Tyler,tx.)
May 24, 2012
My Deepest sympathy to the Jackson family. I met Hal when I first started in the music industry, and he was always a very sweet and helpful person. RIP dear Hal--you will be missed, but also remembered well.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Harris
May 24, 2012
Rest in Peace
May 24, 2012
May GOD be with your family at this time. So sorry to hear about the passing of your love one. May GOD be the glory.
May 24, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Jackson family. May God give you the comfort and strength needed at this grievous time. Psalms 55:22.
Jem D. Florida
Erika Rivera
May 24, 2012
i remeber when i first met you it was at a competition in harlem and u was with ur wife and 2 gaurds i was so excited thank u for giving the opportunity for allowing young girls including myself to participate IN C.C.H.J.T.T. U WILL TRULY BE MISSED
May 24, 2012
To Mr.Hal Jackson family, my prayers are with you.
Mrs. Hattie Frazier, Wall, N.J.
LENORE CALVERT
May 24, 2012
The Sunday classics On WBLS will never be the same!! We will miss your voice dearly. R.I.P Hal Jackson
LENORE IN KCMO
Louis Carter
May 24, 2012
R.I.P Mr.Hal Jackson. The WBLS Sunday Classics will never be the same!!
Annette
May 24, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nancy Williams
May 24, 2012
You showed us how beautiful we were, as young black girls.
Dickens George
May 24, 2012
Condolence to Fannie and the Family of Hal Jackson. You are in my prayers. Rest in Paradise.There will be a heavenly Pageant Going on!!!!
Jackie M.
May 24, 2012
Sorry for the loss of Mr. Jackson. He had a long illustrious career and life. And continued working, what a fine example he set. He had special mightiness. Psalm 90:10
Louis Carter
May 24, 2012
The Sunday classics On WBLS will never be the same!! We will miss your voice dearly. R.I.P Hal Jackson!!
Agnes Shepperson
May 24, 2012
Mr. Hal,
We thank you for your voice. Rest in peace.
Elsie Carpenter
May 24, 2012
May God forever Bless the Jackson family it seem like yesterday that I listen to him may God Bless.
Donald Thomas
May 24, 2012
I considered Hal Jackson a friend. Therefore, I have lost one of my best friends. Much strength to his wife & family at this most difficult time.
Dee Marshall
May 24, 2012
Thank you and God Bless the family and friends that shared his listening voice!
R.Gwendolyn Owens
May 24, 2012
Forever in our hearts..
fran petaway
May 24, 2012
May God bless the families as they going through the stormy of life
May 24, 2012
Rest in Peace
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