Jackson, Tony(actually, Anthony)
Jackson, Tony(actually, Anthony)
Jackson, Tony(actually, Anthony), jazz pianist, singer; b. New Orleans, La., June 5, 1876; d. Chicago, April 20, 1921. Jackson played in New Orleans brothels before the turn of the century, and occasionally in Adam Olivier’s Band. He worked in Louisville, Ky.(1904), and for a time partnered Glover Compton. Jackson previously worked as accompanist to the Whitman Sisters. Living briefly in New Orleans during fall 1904 and again from 1910-12, Jackson moved to Chicago permanently; he returned to New Orleans in February 1914 to attend his mother’s funeral. Played in a duo with Glover Compton at Elite No. 1 and as a solo entertainer in many Chicago clubs; he also worked again as accompanist for the Whitman Sisters. Worked for several years at the De Lure Cafe, then moved to the Pekin Cafe, continued working there until shortly before his death. A prolific composer, his most famous tune is “Pretty Baby.”
—John Chilton, Who’s Who of British Jazz / Lewis Porter