Born in August 1955, Midlander Joe Jackson was a music college graduate (he studied piano at London’s Royal College of Music) and cabaret arranger before he discovered pub rock, nicked Elvis Costello‘s clothes and Graham Parker‘s vocal stylings, and hitched a ride on the New Wave.
His accomplished debut single, Is She Really Going Out With Him? was not an immediate hit, but by the time the album Look Sharp was released, that song had reached the UK charts some months after nudging the US Top 20.
While Jackson’s first two albums – Look Sharp and I’m The Man – had a distinct power pop feel, the follow-up, Beat Crazy, started a trend of changing musical direction with each album.
The excellent Jumpin’ Jive was a throwback to the music of the 1940s, while Night and Day (1982) produced the superbly crafted pop song Steppin’ Out with its mantric bassline and crisp piano.
He went on to international success, particularly in America.
Video
Related Posts
Denise LaSalle Denise LaSalle (real name Denise Craig) was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and raised in LeFlore County. After serving her apprenticeship…
Sister Janet Mead Sister Janet (of the Sisters of Mercy order) has the distinction of being the first Australian recording artist to sell…
Sports, The The Sports took to pop music with a vengeance. Intelligent and original, the Australian band were Melbourne's reigning pub champions…
Queensrÿche Formed in 1981 outside Seattle, Washington, Queensrÿche were one of the most artistic and creative of the hard rock bands…
Jilted John Jilted John was a character invented by Graham Fellows, a 19-year-old from Sheffield, while he was studying at drama school…
Mississippi Australian group Mississippi began life in 1972 as a trio, comprising Graham Goble, John Mower and Russ Johnson, augmented by…
Millie Jackson An R&B star with a stunning voice, Millie was born Mildred Jackson in Thompson, near Augusta, Georgia, on 15 July 1944.…
Phoebe Snow Born Phoebe Ann Laub in New York City in 1952, the singer changed her name after seeing 'Phoebe Snow', a…
