Jackie Jackson is usually associated with some of the legends of Jamaican music. The most noted are producers Duke Reid and Leslie Kong, as well as singers Toots Hibbert and Jimmy Cliff.

Although not famous as those men, his mother Viola Robinson was just as influential.

Her spirit will accompany him on stage at Day O Plantation Restaurant and Bar on May 10 for the Mother’s Day Dinner & Live Show.

“My mother was born in Havana, Cuba, and eventually moved to Jamaica. She was also musically gifted. God and my mother are responsible for who I am today,” said Jackson, one of reggae’s greatest bass guitarists. “I was very close with her. She was not only my mom, she was my dad, friend, and my go-to for everything.”

The show also features his daughter Courtni, a singer. Also joining in the action is fellow vocalist Billy Joe Neil and steel pan player Cabot Paul.

Mother’s Day Dinner & Live Show continues the revival of events in Montego Bay, St James, which was one of the areas hard-hit by Hurricane Melissa last October. That Category 5 disaster caused organisers of Reggae Sumfest to switch from its traditional home at Catherine Hall in the resort city to Plantation Cove in St Ann.

“Montego Bay is still recovering from the passage of Hurricane Melissa. I believe that by December 15, the peak of the winter tourist season, Montego Bay will return to being a vibrant city, buzzing with demand for artistes and musicians,” said Jackson.

The veteran musician has been an integral part of Montego Bay’s live scene for over 40 years, leading bands in numerous hotels and clubs. He was also a member of Toots’ Maytals band for over 50 years, playing on his biggest hit songs, among them Funky Kingston and Sweet And Dandy.

— Howard Campbell