Chuck Jackson
Chuck Jackson, originally named Charles Benjamin Jackson, was an acclaimed American R&B and soul singer, born on July 22, 1937, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Chuck's musical journey began early; he was steeped in gospel music from a young age and made his first radio broadcast at just six years old. By the age of 11, he had become a choir leader, showcasing his natural talent and passion for music.
His professional career in music began in the late 1950s after he briefly sang with the Dell-Vikings. Jackson quickly established himself as a prominent artist in the R&B genre, garnering significant attention with his emotive singing style. In his career, he achieved remarkable success, with 22 songs appearing on the Billboard R&B singles charts, including several sizable hits including "I Don't Want to Cry" (1961), "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)" (1962) and "Tell Him I'm Not Home" (1963).
Chuck Jackson grew up in Latta, South Carolina, where he was awarded the first music scholarship ever given by South Carolina State University, further underlining his dedication to music. His ability to convey deep emotion through song made him a favorite among fans and critics alike, and he is remembered for being one of the first artists to record songs by renowned songwriter Burt Bacharach.
Throughout his career, Chuck Jackson influenced countless artists and left an indelible mark on the music industry. He continued to perform and record until his later years, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by music lovers. Chuck Jackson passed away on February 16, 2023, marking the end of an era for R&B and soul music.
In summary, Chuck Jackson's life and career reflect his immense talent, dedication to music, and lasting impact on the genres of R&B and soul.
A Powerful Soul
Producer – Leiber & Stoller
Written By [Incorrect] – Dave Crawford
Written-By [Uncredited] – Luther Dixon, Van McCoy 2:25
A2 Beg Me
Arranged By – Stan Green
Written-By – Rudy Clark 2:37
A3 The Breaking Point
Arranged By – Burt Bacharach
Written-By – H. David, B. Bacharach 2:18
A4 Who's Gonna Pick Up The Pieces
Arranged By – Teaco Wiltshire
Producer – Leiber & Stoller
Written-By – Florence Green, Van McCoy 2:44
A5 If I Didn't Love You
Arranged By – Stanley Applebum
Producer – Stan Green, Steve Tyrell
Written-By – Mark Barkan, Pam Sawyer 2:13
A6 I Wake Up Crying
Written-By – H. David, B. Bacharach 2:15
A7 Forget About Me
Producer – Stan Green
Written-By – Lori Burton, Pam Sawyer 2:42
A8 The Prophet
Arranged By – Carole King
Written-By – Luther Dixon, Rose McCoy 2:27
B1 Little By Little
Producer – Stan Green
Written-By – Kelly Owens, Rose McCoy 2:31
B2 I've Got To Be Strong
Arranged By – Tommy Kaye
Written-By – Ralph Bailey, Johnny L Northern, Tommy Kaye 1:54
B3 I Don't Want To Cry
Arranged By – Carole King
Written-By – Chuck Jackson, Luther Dixon 2:18
B4 This Broken Heart (That You Gave Me)
Written-By – Van McCoy 2:14
B5 Don't Believe Him, Donna
Written-By – Lee Thomas, Luther Dixon 2:19
B6 They Don't Give Medals (To Yesterdays Heroes)
Written-By – B. Bacharach, H. David 2:22
B7 The Love Of My Girl
Written-By – Ed Townsend 3:00
B8 I Can't Stand To See You Cry
Written-By – Van McCoy 3:29
Label: Kent Records – KENT 073
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
A Powerful Soul is a classic 1987 UK compilation LP by Chuck Jackson, released by Kent Records, showcasing his incredible New York Soul hits from Wand Records, featuring his signature powerful vocals on tracks like "I Can't Stand to See You Cry," "Little By Little," and "If I Didn't Love You," highlighting his suave delivery, emotional depth, and mastery of uptempo dancers and heart-wrenching ballads, cementing his status as a soul legend.
The album collects many of Jackson's best-known sides from his prime years on Wand Records (a Scepter subsidiary). It emphasizes Jackson's rich, dignified, and emotionally resonant baritone, capable of delivering both suave romance and raw heartbreak.
The tracks feature the lush arrangements, stellar production, and sophisticated songwriting (including Bacharach/David) that defined 1960s soul. It includes uptempo dancers like "Little By Little" and poignant ballads, showcasing his versatility.
Originally a UK LP (Kent Records), it's a sought-after release for fans of classic soul, later reissued and expanded on CD.
While many of Jackson's Wand-era recordings were later re-released on CD (such as the 24-track Good Things collection), A Powerful Soul remains a key historical release for fans because it first unearthed several tracks that were nearly lost to history. Jackson's work during this period, including several songs written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, is considered some of the finest examples of 1960s soul.
Chuck Jackson – Any Day Now
Written-By – Garfield, Leiber, Stoller
2:43
A2 Any Day Now
Written-By – Hilliard, Bacharach
3:26
A3 Just Once
Written-By – Williams, Snyder, Kahan
2:10
A4 The Same Old Story
Written-By – Elgin, Rogers, Dixon
2:20
A5 Whatcha' Gonna Say Tomorrow
Written-By – Jackson, Rogers, Dixon
2:24
A6 Make The Night A Little Longer
Written-By – Goffin, King
2:26
B1 Who's Gonna Pick Up The Pieces
Written-By – Green, McCoy
2:48
B2 In Real Life
Written-By – Dixon, Jones
2:44
B3 Angel Of Angels
Written-By – Schupack, Dixon
2:30
B4 The Breaking Point
Written-By – Bacharach, David
3:15
B5 The Prophet
Written-By – Dixon, R. McCoy
3:28
B6 Everybody Needs Love
Written-By – Elgin, Jackson, Dixon
1:53
Label: Wand – 654
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Sixties Soul
Chuck Jackson Arrives!
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
2:58
A2 Your Wonderful Love
Written-By – B. Gordy, Jr.
2:52
A3 Lonely Lonely Man Am I
Written-By – E. Kendricks, E. Holland, N. Whitfield
2:33
A4 Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
Written-By – C. Grant, N. Whitfield, S. Moy
2:56
A5 I Can't Go On Sharing Your Love
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:52
A6 Forgive My Jealousy
Written-By – I. Hunter, J. Goga, P. Sawyer
2:12
B1 To See The Sun Again
Written-By – I. Hunter, J. Goga
2:38
B2 What Am I Gonna Do Without You
Written-By – I. Hunter, S. Wonder
2:29
B3 I Like Everything About You
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:58
B4 We'll Find A Way
Written-By – B. Verdi, I. Hunter
2:14
B5 Where You Gonna Run To Now
Written-By – J. Dean, M. McLeod, W. Weatherspoon
2:55
B6 Girls, Girls, Girls
Written-By – A. Cleveland, Wm. Robinson
2:41
Label: Motown – MS 667
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Chuck Jackson Arrives!(1968) is praised as a superb, mature soul album where Jackson blended his classic powerful voice with Motown's polish and burgeoning Southern soul/Memphis sounds, producing a deep, expressive record for collectors despite Motown's lack of promotion, showcasing strong arrangements and iconic tracks like "Any Day Now".
It marked a pivotal shift from his earlier Scepter/Wand "Iceman" ballads towards a deeper, more expressive soul, integrating Memphis/Muscle Shoals influences with classic Motown production.
Produced by Smokey Robinson, it featured top-tier Motown arrangements, though some felt Berry Gordy didn't fully support the project with top songwriters, resulting in a mix of quality tracks (Smokey, H-D-H, Ashford & Simpson, Stevie Wonder) and some less essential material.
Reviewers consistently highlight Jackson's rich, powerful, and emotionally resonant voice as the album's core strength, making it a must-have for purists.
While commercially overlooked by Motown at the time, it's highly valued by collectors for its solid soul, great sound (often in stereo), and rarity, bridging the Detroit and Southern soul scenes.
Fans and critics consider Chuck Jackson Arrives! a fantastic showcase for one of R&B's true giants, offering a unique blend of classic R&B power and Motown sophistication, even if it wasn't a huge commercial hit initially.
Encore!
A2 Blue Holiday 3:17
A3 Tomorrow 2:30
A4 Two Stupid Feet 2:33
A5 This Broken Heart (That You Gave Me) 2:17
A6 Don't Believe Him Donna 2:14
B1 King Of The Mountain 2:24
B2 Invisible 2:14
B3 Another Day 2:07
B4 Lonely Am I 2:56
B5 Go On Yak Yak 2:21
B6 Getting Ready For The Heartbreak 2:30
Label: Wand – LP-655
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1963
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Goin' Back To Chuck Jackson
A2 Honey Come Back 3:15
A3 Can You Feel It, Babe 3:16
A4 Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever 2:56
A5 Cry Like A Baby 2:56
A6 You Keep Running Away 3:20
B1 Can I Change My Mind 3:00
B2 I'd Still Love You 2:44
B3 The Chokin' Kind 2:46
B4 The Day My World Stood Still 3:01
B5 No More Water In The Well 2:35
B6 Rosalind 2:59
Label: Motown – MS687
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties, Soul
I Don't Want To Cry!
Written-By – C. Jackson, L. Dixon
2:17
A2 Tears On My Pillow
Written-By – A. Lewis, S. Bradford
2:15
A3 Willow Tree
Written-By – B. Elgin, K Rogers
2:44
A4 In Between Tears
Written-By – B. Elgin, Kay Rogers, L. Dixon
2:28
A5 Tear Of The Year
Written-By – Gary Geld, P. Udell
2:22
A6 I Cried For You
Written-By – A. Lyman, A. Freed, G. Arnheim
3:44
B1 Lonely Teardrops
Written-By – B. Gordon, Jr., T. Carlo
2:50
B2 Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
Written-By – J. Greene
2:50
B3 Salty Tears
Written-By – L. Chase
3:15
B4 I Wake Up Crying
Written-By – H. David, B.F. Bacharach
2:15
B5 A Tear
Written-By – L. Dixon, W. Denson
2:18
B6 A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry
Written-By – F. Laine, I. Reed, N. Gimble
3:33
Label: Wand – 650
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1961
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Rhythm & Blues
I Wanna Give You Some Love
Written-By – Leon Ware, Zane Grey
3:53
A2 After You
Written-By – D. Frank, D. James
4:30
A3 I Wanna Give You Some Love
Written-By – Bob Marley
5:24
A4 The Way You Hold Me
Written-By – Kevin Moore
4:52
B1 Waiting In Vain
Written-By – Bob Marley
3:36
B2 Let's Get Together
Soloist – Don Myrick
5:45
B3 You Don't Want Me
4:39
B4 The Bait
Written-By – Lucas Jasmin
5:29
Label: EMI America – SW 17031
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul
I'll Never Get Over You
2 Reachin' For The Stars
3 Walk Away From Love
4 If I Let Myself Go (with Dionne Warwick)
5 What Goes Around Comes Around
6 Talkin' About Love
7 Woman Don't Be Afraid
8 You Are My Life
9 Everything Reminds Me Of You
10 How Long Have You Been Loving Me
11 We've Got The Greatest Thing Going
12 Si Me Dejo Llevar (If I Let Myself Go)
13 Si Me Dejo Llevar (Instrumental)
14 If I Let Myself Go (Instrumental)
Label: PPI Entertainment – 0710839320-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Soul
Mr. Everything
A2 I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself 2:48
A3 I Need You 2:59
A4 I'm Your Man 2:17
A5 Human 2:30
A6 Love Is A Many Splendored Thing 3:01
B1 The Work Song 2:36
B2 If I Didn't Love You 2:10
B3 Something You've Got 2:47
B4 D-5 2:45
B5 Somebody New 1:58
B6 Tears Of Joy 2:58
Label: Wand – WDS 667
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Needing You, Wanting You
A2 Cover Up Or Get Ready 4:47
A3 I've Got The Need 3:00
A4 Love Child 2:44
A5 Beautiful Woman 3:16
B1 Shine, Shine, Shine 3:11
B2 Love Lights 3:37
B3 Piece Of The Rock 3:31
B4 Might As Well Take My Time 3:30
Label: All Platinum – AP-3014
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
On Tour
A2 Any Other Way
A3 Any Day Now
A4 Please Please Please
A5 Stand By Me
B1 Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
B2 I Wake Up Crying
B3 Beg Me
B4 I Will Never Turn My Back On You
B5 I Don't Want To Cry
B6 Chuck's Soul Brothers Twist
Label: Wand – 658
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Through All Times
Written-By – G. Zekley, M. Bottler 3:36
A2 Put A Little Love Away
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert 3:17
A3 Talk A Little Less
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert 3:10
A4 Roller Coaster
Written-By – M. James 2:58
A5 Slowly But Surely
Written-By – D. Walsh, H. Price, S. Barri 3:17
A6 I Only Get This Feeling
Written-By – D. Ervin 2:59
B1 Through All Times
Written-By – B. Siller, D. Gibbs 4:19
B2 Just A Little Tear
Written-By – D. Walsh, H. Price, R. Kailing, W. Entner 3:04
B3 Maybe This Will Be The Morning
Written-By – D. Ervin 3:31
B4 If That's The Way You Want It
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert 3:24
B5 If Only You Believe
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert 3:28
Label: ABC Records – ABCX-798
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre:R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul
Chuck Jackson's Through All Times (1973) is a highly-regarded, often overlooked gem in his discography, showcasing a rootsy, sometimes funky West Coast studio soul sound, bridging his classic hits era with later work, featuring standout tracks like the Northern Soul-leaning "I Only Get This Feeling" and the sample-worthy "Talk A Little Less," praised by fans for its strong R&B, deep emotion, and hidden depth.
A blend of smooth soul, funk, and rootsy West Coast vibes, different from his earlier polished hits but equally compelling, notes Funk My Soul.
Many consider it an underrated album that deserved more attention upon release, a strong companion to his Motown era, say Amazon UK and Sessiondays.
Standout Tracks: "I Only Get This Feeling" is noted as a Northern Soul highlight, while "Talk A Little Less" is a killer soul track with great sampling potential, according to Funk My Soul.
Jackson's powerful, emotional vocals shine, delivering deep feeling and professionalism, as highlighted in this YouTube video and Elusive Disc.
Fans on Discogs call it a "perfect album" with "soul vocal at its best," with an average rating of over 4 out of 5 stars. It's seen as a mature, compelling work showcasing his enduring talent in the 70s soul scene.