Tony Jackson (pianist)

Did You Know?

• The play Don't You Leave Me Here by Clare Brown deals with his relationship with Jelly Roll Morton.
• Jackson appears as a minor character in David Fulmer's novel Chasing the Devil's Tail.

Early life

Jackson was born to a poor African American family in Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana on October 25, 1882. Some sources claim earlier birth dates, but these are likely errors. He was a twin, but his brother Prince Albert Jackson died at fourteen months. His parents were freed slaves, and Jackson was epileptic from birth. He showed musical talent early, constructing a crude harpsichord from junk at about age 10, which allowed him to reproduce hymns. This led to neighbors offering him use of their pianos and reed organs. At age 13, he got his first musical job playing piano at a Tonk run by bandleader Adam Olivier.

Career

Jackson became the most popular entertainer in Storyville, known for his ability to remember and play any tune after hearing it once. His repertory included ragtime, cakewalks, popular songs, blues, and light classics. He was openly homosexual. His singing voice was exceptional, ranging from baritone to soprano. Jelly Roll Morton, who met Jackson in 1906, ranked him as the only musician better than himself. Jackson mentored Morton and wrote many original tunes, some of which were sold or stolen. Clarence Williams noted that Jackson was original in all his improvisations and that many copied him. Jackson's distinctive dress—pearl gray derby, checkered vest, ascot tie with diamond stickpin, and sleeve garters—became a standard outfit for ragtime pianists.

Later career and death

Jackson moved to Chicago seeking more career influence and personal freedom as a gay man. He lived on Wabash Avenue with family, later moving to South State Street. His song "Pretty Baby" was published in 1916, though he performed it earlier; its original lyrics referred to his male lover. He performed at the De Luxe and Pekin Cafes in Chicago. In his later years, his voice and dexterity declined due to disease, diagnosed at death as cirrhosis of the liver and chronic epilepsy. Friends held a benefit for him on February 17, 1921, raising $325. He died in Chicago on April 20, 1921. His piano rolls survive, and his style influenced younger musicians. In 2011, the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inducted him.