Scope and arrangement
The collection consists of five 7-inch records, including one by Jackson, and four that he collected. They are arranged chronologically. Song titles reflect the song on each side of the record.
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- Creator
- Jackson, Willis
- Call number
- Sc MIRS Jackson 1989-39
- Physical description
- 5 audio_recordings
- Language
- English
- Preferred Citation
- Willis Jackson audio collection, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division, The New York Public Library
- Sponsor
- An anonymous donor funded preliminary processing for this collection. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supported a research library-wide grant for the digitization, and funded the Schomburg for the description and production of the finding aid as part of The Next Century of Black Studies Project.
- Repository
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division
- Access to materials
- Appointment preferred: Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply
Willis "Gator" Jackson (April 35, 1932 - October 25, 1987) was a jazz tenor saxophonist. The collection consists of five 7-inch records, including one by Jackson, and four that he collected.
Biographical/historical information
Born in Miami, Florida, Willis "Gator" Jackson (April 35, 1932 - October 25, 1987) was a jazz tenor saxophonist. Jackson studied theory and harmony at Florida A & M University. He began playing locally in Florida. He joined jazz trumpeter Cootie Williams's band in 1948, and played with them intermittently until 1955. Jackson started recording as a leader in 1950. He had a romantic and creative partnership with singer-songwriter and actress Ruth Brown for eight years, and appeared on many of her recordings. In 1959 Jackson joined Prestige Records, making dozens of albums. He formed various groups including the Willis Jackson Quintet and Willis Jackson and His Orchestra. Jackson continued playing until his death in 1987 in New York City.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Gift of James L. Watson, 1989.
Processing information
Collection inventoried by Nathan Evans. Collection processed and described by Ornella U. Baganizi, archivist. Finding aid published in 2025.
Separated material
See the Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division for the Willis Jackson papers, Sc MG 332.
See the Photographs and Prints Division for the photographs.
Key terms
Names
Subjects
Occupations
Using the collection
Location
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Third Floor
Access to materials
Appointment preferred: Request an in-person research appointment.Access restrictions
At the time of publishing, one record is not available pending digitization.