Raymond Jackson

Raymond Jackson Jr.

November 26, 1955 - March 11, 2026

Raymond Jackson Jr., affectionately known as RaJac, was born on November 26, 1955, to the late Raymond Jackson Sr. and Willa Mae Simmons. He was raised by his father, Raymond Jackson Sr., and his stepmother, Virginia Jackson. Raymond received his education in the Linden School System and graduated from Linden High School in June 1973.

Raymond's love for music was inspired by his father, who served as an organist for several church choirs. This early influence sparked a lifelong passion for music. After high school, Raymond attended DeVry University and later joined the United States Army, where he proudly played in the Army band. During this time and afterward, he performed with local bands in clubs throughout the tri-state area.

Raymond's talent and dedication to music eventually led him to become one of the premier production, stage, and recording musicians in the music industry. He became widely known for his signature Sophistic-Funk bass style, a sound that helped define the musical era in which he performed.

Throughout his career, Raymond worked with many notable artists including Charles Earland, Mark Sadane, the R&B group Aurra, and Mtume. He also co-produced with the group Stranger. In 1979, RaJac recorded with legendary guitarist Eddie Hazel on the Motown record label.

Between 1981 and 1984, Raymond worked with Aurra/Deja and co-wrote "A Little Love" from the Little Love album, as well as "Coming to Get You" from the Love and Let Live album.

From 1984 to 1988, Raymond collaborated with Mtume performing bass, vocals, keyboards, and drum programming. His distinctive bass style helped create the sound of the gold-selling hit Juicy Fruit from the album Juicy Fruit. The album received gold status and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Raymond was also nominated for Best New Artist of the Year. He also co-wrote "Would You Like to Fool Around" from the same album.

His songwriting contributions also included "Prime Time," which reached number one on the British charts from the You, Me and He album. Additional writing credits include "I Simply Like," "Hip Dip Skip Da Beat," "Tie Me Up," and "Don't Believe You Heard Me" from The Theater of the Mind album.

In 1988, Raymond released the RaJac & Redd Hot album, which he both produced and wrote. The project was released internationally on Sutra Records and featured the singles "Guilty," "Some Like It Hot," "No Guarantees," and "Funtime."

Raymond continued creating music throughout his life. In 2016, he released the single and video "Here I Stand" on Ally Jack Records. In 2017, he continued submitting new music for placement in films, television shows, commercials, and video games.

Raymond's musical influence extended into hip-hop history when The Notorious B.I.G. released the 1994 hit Juicy, which sampled the Mtume classic Juicy Fruit. The original song reached number one in 1983 and remains one of the most influential and sampled songs in modern music. Raymond played the iconic bass line that helped make the record unforgettable.

Raymond Jackson Jr. was widely respected as one of the great bass players of the 1980s. He also worked with Roy Ayers and appeared on the television show Soul Train with Aurra. He also performed alongside Glenn Jones and other R&B artists.

Known for his incredible style, powerful sound, and unmistakable groove, RaJac's playing was often described as P.P.P. – Perfectly Placed Pluck. Juicy Fruit sold more than seven million copies worldwide, and his distinctive bass technique helped define the sound of that era. His thumb-style playing was widely respected and admired by fellow musicians.

In 1984, Raymond also played with a band network merging music from two groups, BBQ and Mtume. They released an album titled "I Need You" with South Soul Records.

Outside of music, Raymond enjoyed attending concerts, traveling with his significant other, Brenda Chopra, and loved ones, dining out, and enjoying the peace of country living.

Raymond Jackson Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Jackson Sr. and Willa Mae Simmons; his stepmother, Virginia Jackson; and his sister, Cynthia Thompson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Raymond Glasgow, Miranda Jackson, and Raymond Jackson III; his wife, Arnetta Jackson; his sisters, Debra Ekpo and Brenda Newsome; his brothers, Glenn Jackson (Tanya) and William Thompson (Karen); his significant other, Brenda Chopra; three aunts, Ruby Hallman, Linda Lee, and Mary Richardson; two uncles, Donald Hallman and Robert Royal (Sandy Royal); and a host of nieces and nephews, along with many relatives, friends, fellow musicians, and loved ones who will forever remember his life, legacy, and music.