Charles Jackson
Charles "Chuck" Jackson, born on March 22, 1945, in Greenville, South Carolina, is an influential figure in the realm of R&B and soul music. His musical journey began in a religious setting, where he was deeply influenced by gospel music through his mother, who sang in church. This early exposure to music shaped his vocal style and musicality, allowing him to develop a strong foundation in singing during his school years.
In the edarly 1970s, Chuck Jackson rose to prominence as the lead singer of the R&B group The Independents. The group garnered attention for their smooth vocals and harmonies, and they became known for hits that resonated with the soul and R&B audiences of that era. Jackson's role as both a singer and a songwriter contributed significantly to the group’s success, solidifying their place in music history.
He wrote several hits for The Independents, including "Baby I've Been Missing You," "It's All Over," and "The First Time We Met," often co-writing with Marvin Yancy. After The Independents, Jackson & Yancy became legendary producers for Natalie Cole, creating hits like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and "Inseparable."
Throughout his career, Jackson has showcased his talents not only as a performer but also as a songwriter. His work in the music industry reflects his versatility and commitment to the genre, which has left a lasting impact on listeners and aspiring artists alike.
While specific details about his later life or discography were not provided in the available references, Chuck Jackson's contributions to soul music and his leadership in The Independents are significant parts of his biography. His influence continues to be appreciated by fans of R&B and soul music today.
Passionate Breezes
Backing Vocals – Charles Jackson, Ivory Stone Davis, Julia Tillman, Maxine Waters Willard, Melvin Britt
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:29
A2 Love Of You
Backing Vocals – Ivory Stone Davis, Julia Tillman
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:25
A3 Ooh Child
Backing Vocals – Charles Jackson, Lloyd Williams, Melvin C. Britt
Written-By – Reed, Barge, Jennings, Upchurch 3:35
Medley: (4:43)
A4a I'm In Heaven
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy
Backing Vocals – Maxine Waters Willard, Julia Tillman, Melvin Britt, Ivory Stone Davis
A4b You Are So Beautiful
Written-By – Billy Preston
B1 The Train
Backing Vocals – Charles Jackson, Melvin C. Britt
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:50
B2 Tonight's The Night
Backing Vocals – Natalie Cole, Ricky Linton
Written-By – Rod Stewart 4:43
B3 Get On Down
Backing Vocals – Ivory Stone Davis, Julia Tillman, Melvin C. Britt
Written-By – Jackson, Barge, Yancy 5:33
B4 I Really Want You
Backing Vocals – Lloyd Williams, Melvin C. Britt
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:51
Label: Capitol Records – SW-11775
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Ballad
Charles Jackson's 1978 album Passionate Breezes is highly regarded as a classic "Quiet Storm" smooth soul album. Critics and users praise it for its strong collection of ballads, Jackson's smooth vocals, and its role in defining its genre.
Charles "Chuck" Jackson was the lead singer of the R&B group The Independents. The group was active from 1971 to 1975 and had several hits on the US pop and R&B charts, most notably the gold-selling single "Leaving Me" in 1973.
His first solo album is considered a strong set, particularly for lovers of soul ballads. Reviewers from Soul and Jazz and Funk note its enduring quality and influence on the "Quiet Storm" genre. While considered a very good album, some user reviews suggest it may not be "essential" in an objective sense, though highly cherished by fans. The general consensus points to an average rating of around 3.97 out of 5 stars based on several user ratings.
Despite the album itself not achieving massive commercial success at the time of its release, Charles Jackson's talent as a songwriter was evident. He went on to achieve notable success writing songs for other artists, most notably Whitney Houston. The album is now appreciated as an overlooked gem from the late 70s soul era.