As the fourth child, third boy to Rev. Ralph and Clara Jackson, the expectations for this child were not apparent but rather hazy. The first two male children excelled in athletics at an early age. I progressed rather slowly in this area. Mom saw this and immediately interjected an artsy approach to my development; the piano. While dad vehemently attempted to excite some kind of dorment athletic gene, mom also put her plan in action. I began studying music with my older sister under the tutelage of the late Dr. Evelyn Morgan. It became evident that the gift of music was innate within me. So from the young age of six and the guidance of MOM, I dedicated the talent to God and His service.
At the age of thirteen I began playing for churches. My first assignment started as the Sunday school musician for Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Samuel Jones is still pastor. Trained as a classical musician, gospel music was easy to pick up and play. Being in church all my life made matters that much simpler as well. All of the songs we sang were Hymnals so they were simple enough to pick up. As a result, I began to develop my ear and stray away from reading music. No longer confined by the sight of music, I began to allow what was inside my head to flow through my hands.
At twenty four I began studying under KBN, Kevin Burroughs Neeley. An accomplished singer, song writer, producer and purpose driven man, who relocated to STL from LA, was an ideal
opportunity for someone like myself who had multiple ideas but NO direction. (That along with the fact that I was chasing a young lady as well). St. Louis Christian Center, a organization that originated in California under the Crenshaw Christian Center umbrella, opened it’s doors under KBN in 1995. I moved my music ministry within this fellowhip.
KBN allowed me to refine my musical talent and became the glue to bind all of my ideas together. I picked up on how true musicians know how to blend all instruements together to make a beautiful piece reach to heaven and beyond. I developed how instruments can talk to each other, feeling in spots, bridging gaps, allowing entrances for the next instrument to come in and complete a piece. Most importantly, I learned how to conversate and play together with other musicians.
Armed and ready to began production of MORE, I started to put what I learned into fruition. This project began fourteen years ago and was halted several times due to many hurdles and obstacles I allowed to get in the way. Now, in my 42nd year of life I present to you what God ordained years ago. MORE than just a Gospel album. MORE than just a set of Gospel songs. MORE than just a set of pieces for personal enjoyment. MORE than just what God placed in me long ago. MORE than just my purpose. MORE than just a worship experience. It’s just that much…MORE.