The Jamaican bass player came of age during the rocksteady era which ran from 1966-68. Jackie Jackson held that position at Treasure Isle as a member of The Supersonics, house band at the legendary studio, run by producer Duke Reid.

From central Kingston, Jackson was trained as a pianist but switched to bass when he went to Treasure Isle, where he played on numerous hit songs by Alton Ellis, The Melodians, Ken Parker, and Ken Boothe.

Jackson is best known for being bassist for 50 years with Toots And The Maytals. That run ended with Toots’ death in 2020, but the lanky “bassy” is still active on the north coast scene and plans to resume touring this year with oBessa — a band that comprises former members of The Maytals.

Recently, Jackson spoke to the Jamaica Observer about his career.

Howard Campbell (HC): What made rocksteady and playing at Treasure Isle so special?

Jackie Jackson (JJ): The greatest legacy of rocksteady is that it’s the best genre of Jamaican music and it will always be remembered as such. Treasure Isle Studios was special for me, because I was given a chance to hone my craft and develop my creative ability without fear or intimidation.

HC: What kind of bass did you play at Treasure Isle?

JJ: Four-string Fender Precision… dat mek all a di hit dem!

HC: What do you play now?

JJ: A six-string Warwick. It’s German-made.

HC: What is the difference between playing four-string, five-string, and six-string bass?

JJ: First of all, I saw it as a challenge to move from four to five then six. The music had changed worldwide, producers were using keyboards to play bass. The B string on the five-string and the C string on the six-string give you that depth, the bottom. Because of that, the bass man start sound like a guitarist, an’ everybody stop being rhythmic bass players and become melodic bass players. Your ability as a bass player and musician hit the roof. Some man still comfortable with the four-string, but it depends on what you want.

HC: What are your fondest memories of touring with Toots?

JJ: It was our first tour. Opening for Linda Ronstadt and The Eagles. Also, opening for The Rolling Stones.

HC: Name the favourite rocksteady bass lines you played.

JJ: Alton Ellis …
Rock Steady

The Jamaicans …
Ba Ba Boom

The Wailers …
Thank You Lord

The Melodians …
You’ve Caught Me Baby

The Melodians …
Little Nut Tree

Ken Boothe …
Say you

The Techniques …
Queen Majesty

Dobby Dobson … I’m A Loving Pauper

HC: Bass lines you wish you had played…

JJ:
You Don’t Care … The Techniques (played by Boris Gardiner)

Sweet Talking … The Heptones (played by Leroy Sibbles)

Baltimore … The Tamlins (played by Robbie Shakespeare)

Zimbabwe … Bob Marley (played by Aston “Familyman” Barrett)

Breakfast In Bed … Lorna Bennett (Played by Val Douglas)

Jackie Jackson, producer and musician, is flanked by his two daughters Jheanell (left), private banker, and Jhanine (right), leasing manager and realtor. (Joseph Wellington)

Toots Hibbert (left), frontman of Toots and The Maytals, with band members (back row) bass guitarist Jackie Jackson and drummer Paul Douglas. At front are: Carl Harvey, guitarist; Radcliffe “Douggie” Bryan, guitarist; and Charles Farquharson, keyboard player. The occasion was at the K West Hotel in Kensington, London, England, in 2017.

Veteran bass guitarist Clifton “Jackie” Jackson displays his Sam Sharpe Award Photo: Philp Lemonte