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BORN
1941
DIED
2016
Wayne Jackson Obituary
In a June 3 Facebook post, Jackson's wife, Amy, reported that her husband was treated for a bacterial infection that cleared up, but it "triggered his congestive heart failure symptoms." In a statement Tuesday, she said he eventually died of congestive heart failure.
"He led an incredible life," she said, "and he left an amazing music legacy."
Along with his Memphis Horns partner, tenor saxophonist Andrew Love, Jackson performed on hit after hit, notching 52 No. 1 records, according to Stax Records, based in Memphis, Tennessee.
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Jackson was born Nov. 24, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised across the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas. His first musical instrument was the guitar, but when his mother brought him a trumpet when he was 11, his life was changed.
“I opened up the case, and it smelled like oil and brass," Jackson said, according to the biography on his official website, waynejacksonmusic.com. "I loved that, so I put it together, blew, and out came a pretty noise. My first taste of Sweet Medicine.”
He played the trumpet in his junior high school and senior high school bands. During his senior year, he also began performing with a rhythm and blues group, the Mar-Keys, which became the house band at Stax Records. Artists there included not only Redding, but also Isaac Hayes, Albert King, Carla and Rufus Thomas, and many others.
In February 2012, Love and Jackson were accorded one of the music industry's highest honors, a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement. Love died a few weeks later of complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Another artist who played with Memphis Horns was the great soul musician Booker T. Jones. In a 2012 retrospective essay at grammy.com, Jones wrote: "If you've ever heard the brilliant unison horns that play the starting phrases on records such as "Knock On Wood," "Hold On, I'm Comin'" or "In The Midnight Hour," then you've experienced the excitement that the Memphis Horns can stir when opening a song."
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Jackson
58 Entries
Marty Skagen
February 12, 2017
I just saw that Wayne had passed away on the Grammys. I knew Wayne many years ago in Memphis. 1970 to be exact. My condolences to his family. He was a great man.
Frank Castillo
July 28, 2016
Condolences to his family. Wayne and the Memphis Horns are a true inspiration. Wayne was always generous with his advice.
A Fan
June 22, 2016
Recently watched him in a documentary on the Muscle Shoals music heyday. Really enjoyed his work backing Aretha that era. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. (Isaiah 66:12,13).
July 4, 2016
My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband. Wayne was talented as a trumpet player, which amazed many and captivated their hearts as he played it... I know that no words of sympathy would be able to ease your sadness, but I hope that the strength and comfort that our Heavenly Father provides in moments like these, be extended to you and help you endure your grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Bristol England
Susan Milestone
July 1, 2016
Remembering with fondness the concert in Tunica Ms. You contributed so much to C20 music. My thoughts are with your family. RIP
Tom Floyd
June 30, 2016
Wayne you made the world a better place and Amy made your world better.So thankful and blessed to have been in your lives for so long as a friend. Nothing but love and respect from my heart to yours. You gave the world happiness with your music and that will live forever. So even with your passing you continue to share your God given talent with us and make the world a better place. Love and respect......Tom
Trina Jackson
June 28, 2016
You are dearly missed. As you walked me down the isle at my wedding, I knew I was marrying a special kind of man. Your son, Duane Lamar Jackson, is my soulmate. Being that my father couldn't be in Tennessee to walk me down the isle... You, Wayne Jackson offered to walk me down the isle to give me away to your one and only son.
My heart aches knowing you are gone. Your health will be restored and we all will be reunited. TILL WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN... RIP WAYNE.
I LOVE YOU.... YOU ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEST FATHER-IN-LAW A WOMAN COULD EVER HAVE....
Dolly Loftiss
June 28, 2016
To Amy and all the Jackson family; seek comfort in knowing the world will always have his music. May you find peace and rest in the arms of Jesus until you are together again.
June 27, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kathleen Haynes
June 27, 2016
I have great memories of painting beside Wayne in watercolor class in Brentwood, TN. I sat in the back so no one could see my work. And there he was because he was nervous. He always claimed I was the one who really taught him to paint. I would explain the artsy class instructions in everyday terms, he'd get it immediately. And became a good watercolor artist! We joined the TN Watercolor Society and went to that year's Exhibition in Jackson. Then he moved back to Memphis and I don't think he painted after that.
Wayne, it was a joy being rowdy in the back row together, telling jokes and hearing about your career and family. Being the same era, I knew all your music. What a gentle soul with a huge heart. I hope you will teach Otis and Booker T. how to paint so my efforts weren't wasted.
Julie Childress
June 27, 2016
Wayne was a sweet sweet man......he was always smiling and glad to see me no matter if he felt bad. He was a special person.....Julie childress
June 27, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June Gilmer-Hayes
June 26, 2016
Aside from being a world-class trumpeter, Wayne was a world-class guy who gave all he could to the music, his friends and his fans - even pushing himself beyond the limits.
Amy, he would not have been able to pursue all that he did without your loyalty, love and gentle guidance. You were a good team. I know that the time before you will be trying and difficult, but you're a tough lady and God will see you through. You'll always feel His loving arms around you in your darkest moments, and the good memories will bring you solace. Don't forget your friends who will be here for you!
With love and hope for many beautiful tomorrows,
June Gilmer-Hayes
Roy Yeager
June 25, 2016
I miss the times we shared. They were good ones. RIP my friend
June 25, 2016
Beloveds, soon the God of all comfort will bring an end to death and wipe away the tears from all faces, for this has been promised . . .
Isaiah25:8
Barbara Van Camp
June 24, 2016
Wayne, have had the great honor of knowing you from the very early 60's. Then again when I returned to Memphis in early90's. It's really hard to accept, you, Duck, Andrew, Otis,Chips, etal,are gone from this earth. The one thing that makes it bearable is to know that heaven has the greatest musicians & one hell of a band. So sorry to Amy & your kids. Much love to them.
June 24, 2016
My condolences to your family during this time of grief.
June 24, 2016
I'm sorry for your last. I hope you can find peace to continue on and be blessed. I will keep you in my prayers.
RDR
June 24, 2016
Dear Jackson family
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort and give you peac
CL
June 24, 2016
Please accept my sincere sympathies. May your fond memories be treasured of Mr. Wayne Jackson. May God's Holy Spirit or active force, equip you with the " power beyond what is normal " to go from one day to the next. (2 Corinthians 4:7) Remember: God can help his faithful servants to endure any and every problem they may face.
Stuart King
June 24, 2016
Deepest Sorrow. Thank you for your sound.
Tommy & Debbie Prince
June 23, 2016
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AMY. IT WAS A GREAT HONOR TO NOT ONLY KNOW WAYNE BUT TO BE A FRIEND OF WAYNE'S. I MET WAYNE WHEN HE WAS WORKING FOR THE GREAT MARTY ROBBINS. WE HAD DONE SOME SHOWS TOGETHER WHAT A TREAT. I KNOW FOR SURE WAYNE WAS A SUPER PERSON AS WELL AS AN GREAT MUSICIAN. I CAN REMEMBER ONE TIME MY MOTHER & A FRIEND COME TO NASHVILLE FOR A VISIT. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THEM BOTH TO THE OPRY. BACK STAGE NOT KNOWING MARTY ROBBINS WAS GOING TO BE ON THE SHOW. MY MOTHER WAS A GREAT FAN OF MARTY'S. SO I SEEN WAYNE AND INTRODUCED HIM TO MY MOTHER SHE THOUGHT WAYNE WAS A VERY NICE MAN. SO HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE SURE MY MOTHER GOT TO MET MARTY.. SHE NEVER FORGOT THAT. ONE OF MANY KIND THINGS WAYNE DONE FOR HIS FRIENDS. WAYNE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE FRIENDS. I'M DEEPLY GRIEVED BY HIS PASSING. I KNOW ONE DAY WE WILL HIM AGAIN.HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL. OUR LORD WILL BE WITH US ALL.
June 23, 2016
WAYNE WILL BE WELCOMED INTO SOUL HEAVEN
BY ANDREW AND OTIS.
THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT MUSIC YOU GAVE US.
YOU WILL FOREVER BE HEARD AND REMEMBERED!
Forever Memphis Horns Fan
June 23, 2016
Wayne was a terrific musician and composer. I had the great pleasure of interviewing him on my radio program a few years ago. He was a true gentleman and related a number of marvelous stories about his days at Stax and his relationship with Andrew Love. Now they are together again playing their sweet soul music. Blessings on Amy and Wayne's family. There will never be another like him. Rest in Peace, my friend. Brett Fleming
Trina Jackson
June 23, 2016
RIP... Wayne Jackson. "I LOVE YOU" as if you were a dad (not just my father-in-law). You will be greatly missed. You and my late father (Howard Curtis Jr. ), may you both RIP... until we are together again.
The ironic part is, my daddy was born in January 1941....my father-in-law, Wayne Jackson, was born on November1941... "TWO OF THE GREATEST MEN I'VE EVER KNOWN". WERE BORN IN 1941, THEN THE TWO OF THEM WERE CALLED HOME TO BE WITH JESUS THIS YEAR, 2016".
May god rest their souls
June 23, 2016
www.AllMemphisMusic.com is saddened by the loss of one of the world's best!
God Bless you and Amy!
Jon Scott
Tom Forte
June 23, 2016
A great musician, friend, and human being. My son, Chris Forte (guitar) had the pleasure of playing with Wayne and the Menphis Horns; and praised Wayne on Facebook. Blessings on his noble soul and on all of the family.
June 23, 2016
May the peace of God be with you.
June 23, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
June 23, 2016
Our loving God is the source of life.(Psalm 36:9) He promises that he will undo sickness and death forever. So sorry for your loss.
June 22, 2016
My Condolence and prayers are with the family in their bereavement
ARTIS, Macon Ga
Don & Shirley Roper
June 22, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Amy, Carla, Scooter and all members of the Jackson family during the passing of your beloved Wayne. He was very special to all that knew him and his legacy will live on forever.
Patrick Foss
June 22, 2016
Rest in peace, Wayne Jackson.
Thank you for picking up that horn so long ago and God bless you for all the sweet music you gave to us.
May your loved ones be comforted by the love of Almighty God and by the knowledge of how many smiles you have and will bring to people's faces when they hear your music.
June 22, 2016
ON THE BANKS OF THE MISSISSIPPI THEY FOUND THOSE HORNS, AND IN MEMPHIS CITY THEY BLEW UP A STORM. ROCK, JAZZ, AND A COUNTRY FEW. STARS, IDOLS, AND ELVIS TOO.COAST TO COAST THE MUSIC WORLD THEY DID SCORE, PLAYING WITH OTIS FROM SHORE TO SHORE. THE HALL OF FAME, AND A GRAMMY TOO. THE VERY BESDT OF ROCK AND ROLLS WHOS WHO. THEY PLAYED THEIR WAY, AND THEY ARE SECOND TO NONE. THOSE TWO MEMPHIS HORNS. LOVE, AND JACKSON.
Kaffa Warren
June 22, 2016
So sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. My condolences to Amy and the entire family.
Scott Chamberland
June 22, 2016
Rest in Peace
Stuart King
June 22, 2016
Deepest sorrow. Thank you for sound.
Stacy
June 22, 2016
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
Adrian Barnette
June 22, 2016
We'll miss you !
June 22, 2016
Thank you for sharing your talent and the fine legacy you left behind.
Jeffrey Walker
June 22, 2016
A great sound that will never be duplicated. Rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
June 22, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
C Castillo
June 22, 2016
May the God of all comfort and peace continue comforting each of you. May your precious and treasured memories continue in your hearts.
Isaiah 66:13
June 22, 2016
To the JacksonFamily. I would lik to extend my condolences to you and your friend on you loss of your dear love Mr Wayne.May his music and fond memories of him comfrot you in this time of grief.
The holy book mention the God of comfort comfort us in this time of distres
JRD From New York City
Jill
June 22, 2016
Sorry for your loss. This will be a difficult time, but may your memories and the peace of God sustain you. (Romans15:33)
Adrian Barnette
June 22, 2016
We'll miss you !
Mari
June 22, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted by the fact that God cares about you personally and will help you get through your grief. He says "I have heard your prayers , I have seen your tears ". 2 Kings 20;5.
June 22, 2016
May God comfort the family during this difficult time.
June 22, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time.
Sincerely
B F
June 22, 2016
My condolence to the family
June 22, 2016
Those opening horns in 'Hold on, I'm coming' set the mood for the entire song. It was as though the whole FAMU band was in the studio!!
June 22, 2016
My condolences to the family.
"and will wipe away every tear out of their eyes, and death will no longer exist, nor will mourning nor outcry nor pain any longer exist, because former things are gone
Elizabeth
TD
June 22, 2016
Extending my heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family. Now that Wayne has fallen asleep in death, he is in line to receive the greatest gift God can give which is everlasting life (John 6:40) This is a promise that will come true (Isaiah 55:11)
Larry Conti
June 22, 2016
Thank you so much. Your playing, and what it meant to the rise of so much great music was the inspiration for myself, and many really great musicians in the Boston area as well as the world to choose their musical direction. Otis is waiting, as well sadly are many of the other greats you played with. God speed.
June 22, 2016
May the Almightyy God of comfort be with the family and friends of Mr Jackson. May all keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds to help them make it through this most difficult time. God love and care for you.
h r
June 22, 2016
Condolences to the Wayne Jackson family and friends, I appreciated the legendary "Memphis Horns" sound, as well as the talent and great music associated with them. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of loss. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)
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