Clifton Luther Jackson (July 19, 1902 – May 24, 1970)[1] was an American stride pianist.
Cliff Jackson | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Clifton Luther Jackson |
Born | Culpeper, Virginia, U.S. | July 19, 1902
Died | May 24, 1970 New York City, U.S. | (aged 67)
Genres | Jazz |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Piano |
Jackson was born in Washington, DC, United States.[1] After playing in Atlantic City, Jackson moved to New York City in 1923,[2] where he played with Lionel Howard's Musical Aces in 1924, and recorded with Bob Fuller and Elmer Snowden.[1] He led his own ensemble, the Krazy Kats, for recordings in 1930, and following this group's dissolution he played extensively as a solo pianist in nightclubs in New York.[2] During this time he also accompanied singers such as Viola McCoy, Lena Wilson, Sara Martin, Martha Copeland, Helen Gross, and Clara Smith.[1] He recorded with Sidney Bechet in 1940-41,[2] and recorded as a soloist or leader in 1944-45, 1961, and 1969. As house pianist at Cafe Society from 1943 until 1951 he was a success;[1] he also toured with Eddie Condon in 1946. He also played with Garvin Bushell (1950), J.C. Higginbotham (1960), and Joe Thomas (1962).
As shown by many of his 1944-1945 solo piano recordings, such as "Limehouse Blues", Jackson was one of the most powerful stride piano players.[2] His style was also marked by a contrapuntal-like bass work.[citation needed] His many left hand techniques are found explained in detail in Riccardo Scivales's method, Jazz Piano: The Left Hand (Bedford Hills, New York: Ekay Music, 2005), ISBN 978-1929009657.
Jackson was married to the singer Maxine Sullivan from 1950, until his death from heart failure in 1970.[2]