Chuck B. Jackson

Charles B. "Chuck" Jackson was born and raised in Latta, South Carolina in 1937 to Lucille Jackson and James Shaw. He began his singing career with the gospel group called the Raspberries singers. He later graduated high school and attended South Carolina State University for two years before moving to Pittsburgh to continue his singing.

While in Pittsburgh, he became a member of the Dell Vikings from 1957 to 1959. While he was not on the group's major hit singles, he did experience life on the road with the group. A conversation with the late Jackie Wilson led Chuck to pursue a solo career. In the early 60s, it was at the famed Harlem venue that Chuck got his big break when Scepter Records owner Florence Greenberg, and her A&R man Luther Dixon saw him perform during Jackie Wilson's show.

Other labels had shown interest, but Jackson decided to go with Scepter, becoming one of the first artists on the Wand label. Chuck quickly established himself as one of Wand's keystone artists. After his initial success with "I Don't Want To Cry," he continued his chart run with the beautiful "I Wake Up Crying," apparently the first song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David to be done for Scepter/Wand. Bacharach was also responsible for co-writing (with collaborator Bob Hilliard) the perennial "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)" which would become Chuck Jackson's all-time biggest hit, reaching No. 2 on the R&B charts and No. 23 on the pop listings.

In 1961, Chuck married professional dancer, Betty Williams. They later had three beautiful children, Robin, Tracie and Charles "Chuckie" Jackson. He loved and cared very deeply for his family.

While living in Teaneck, New Jersey, Chuck would travel back and forth from New York to perform at the Apollo Theater. His last 'major' label stop was with EMI in 1980. He got with EMI through Don Taylor, who worked with Bob Marley. Once he got with the label, Don took him and his old Wand producer, Luther Dixon to Jamaica to Bob's studio and he recorded "I Wanna Give You Some Love."

On the board of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, Chuck Jackson also produced special events shows at New York's Apollo Theater, where he jumpstarted his solo career several decades ago. He was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.

Chuck Jackson was a pioneer of his time and always conducted himself with class, dignity and respect. He was a real classy man’s man and will truly be missed.

Chuck Jackson is survived by his daughter, Tracie Jackson, as well as, three grandchildren Krystina, Antonio and Jayden Jackson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM in The Fairview Suite at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

The Celebration of Life for Chuck Jackson will begin promptly at 2:00PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the Jackson family.