Reggae bassist Jackie Jackson dies aged 79 after five decades with Toots and the Maytals
Jackie Jackson, the reggae bass player who provided the melodic foundation for some of the genre's most significant hits, has died aged 79. Over more than 50 years as the bassist for Toots and the Maytals, Jackson became one of the cornerstones of Jamaican popular music, his innovative bass lines helping to define the sound of reggae and rock steady from the 1960s onwards.
Jackson played on numerous UK Top 10 hits in 1969, including "The Israelites" by Desmond Dekker and "Return of Django" by the Upsetters, whilst working as a core member of the house band at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio. Born Clifton Jackson in Kingston, he began his career as a pianist before switching to upright bass as a teenager, drawing inspiration from musicians including Lloyd Brevett and James Jamerson. His calm demeanour and musical versatility made him instrumental in recording sessions across reggae, soul and rock steady, collaborating with artists such as the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff and Paul Simon, and inspiring younger musicians including Aston "Family Man" Barrett.
- Jackie Jackson died aged 79 after 50+ years with Toots and the Maytals
- His melodic bass lines shaped reggae and rock steady hits of the 1960s and 70s
- Played on UK Top 10 tracks and inspired generations of reggae musicians
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Jackie Jackson was one of reggae music's most important bass players, a role that might sound technical but which shaped the sound that reggae fans around the world grew up with. For more than 50 years, he was the bassist for Toots and the Maytals, one of Jamaica's most influential bands, where his innovative bass lines helped create some of the defining sounds of reggae music from the 1960s onwards. His work made him a cornerstone of Jamaican popular music.
Jackson's career took off at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio in Jamaica during the 1960s, where he was part of the regular recording team. Playing on records that reached the UK top 10, he became known for his ability to work with different styles of music and collaborate with various artists, from reggae pioneers like the Wailers to international stars like Paul Simon. His calm approach and versatility made him one of the most sought-after musicians for recording sessions.
He was born Clifton Jackson in Kingston and began his musical training as a pianist, only switching to the upright bass as a teenager. This musical flexibility stayed with him throughout his career, allowing him to work with soul and rocksteady musicians as well as reggae artists. His influence on younger bass players in reggae was substantial, with many crediting his approach to their own playing.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Jackie Jackson obituary”.