Gary L. Jackson Sr.

Gary L. Jackson was born in Columbus, Kansas on March 8, 1945 to the union of Claude Jackson Sr. and Margaret Smith. Gary, his mother, his maternal grandparents, George and Lottie Smith, later moved from Joplin, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois in 1940. Humbled and gentle spirited, Gary was always ready to motivate and give advice when asked. Loved by his family and friends, all declared Gary to be an incredible man with a great sense of humor. Coming from humble means, and despite his success, Gary held other occupations like many of us. For instance, Gary was employed at the Argo Corn Starch Factory, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and even at the Apollo Theater in Chicago. However, what was the gem of Gary’s heart which burned a fiery passion was his love for music. Gary graduated from Marshall High School in Chicago, IL. It was during this time he became interested in music. So much so that Gary was a member of the high school’s band which was called the “New Tones” with Gary being the lead singer and guitar player. After finding success in several talent shows in school, he decided to make this his dream. What followed was the opportunity for the New Tones to sign with Cha Cha Records who promoted Gary’s first song, “Sharon Lee”. This song was played by Herb Kent on the radio. After Gary’s success with the high school’s band, Gary furthered developed his God given musical talents and was always willing to assist other aspiring musicians. Other groups that were later organized by Gary were the “Versellette” and the “Constellations” who eventually signed with Roulette Records. At the age of 23, Gary, a professional song writer, wrote songs that were recorded at Columbia Studios on Brunswick Labels under Rev. Ray Haley. Filled with an earnest zeal, Gary wrote an extensive list of songs that were published with Chevis Publishing Corporation, BMI and Warner Chappell Publishers. Along with Carl Smith and Raynard Minor, Gary co-wrote “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher” in 1967 at Chess Records. Some other songs written by Gary and Raynard are: “Show Me” and “Run for Cover”. Gary also assisted and advised the gospel group “Bro. and Sister n’ Christ” featuring: Curtis J. Black (Blaxstarr), Tricia M. Dean and Carolyn Jackson. Gary worked with various artists’ such as: Jackie Wilson, Chaka Khan, The Chi-Lites, Earth Wind & Fire, and a host of other artists. Gary professed Christ as his Savior at an early age. In 1978, he joined the South Side Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men under the leadership of the late Rev. Ray Haley. Gary, Dorothy Artis-Ross and Rev. Walter J. Butts were in charge of the music for this chapter. Gary helped this chapter produce different gospel records at Brunswick Studio. He played the piano, guitar and sang background. In 1980, Gary assisted Rev. Haley in opening the Institute of New Cinema Artists (INCA) School. INCA was a non-for-profit organization that trained students in Performance Arts, Music Production and Engineering. Gary taught the Music Production Courses. In 1993, Gary met the love of his life, Carolyn B. Marks. They were united in holy matrimony on February 18, 1995 and were happily married for 19 years. Gary enjoyed spending times with his immediate family, grandchildren, traveling, barbequing, cooking chili, reading books, watching action packed and science fiction shows and movies, tinkering with anything that has to do with technology and most of all, helping people and making them happy. Gary’s musical passion was writing songs, recording music, singing, playing the guitar and piano. Gary’s music is still being played all around the world. His music can be heard in movies, commercials, radio, television shows and even as a ring tone on people’s cell phone. Gary was called to rest on Monday, February 3, 2014 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Adair; father, Claude Jackson; and his mother Margaret Adair. Gary leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Carolyn B. Jackson; three sons, Gary Jr. (Stacy), Darryl (Brenda) and Gus; two sisters, Judith Scott and Beth Cadwell; three brothers, Tye Wolens, Claude R. Jackson and Rodney A. Adair; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, in-laws and friends.

Tributes

Gary L. Jackson Sr.

March 8, 1945 - February 3, 2014