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Benjamin Clarence "Bull Moose" Jackson (April 22, 1919 – July 31, 1989)[1] was an American blues and rhythm-and-blues singer and saxophonist, who was most successful in the late 1940s. He is considered a performer of dirty blues because of the suggestive nature of some of his songs, such as "I Want a Bowlegged Woman" and "Big Ten Inch Record".[2]

Career

[edit]

Jackson was born Benjamin Joseph Jackson[3] in Cleveland, Ohio.[4] He played violin as a child but quickly became drawn to the saxophone and started his first band, the Harlem Hotshots, while he was still in high school.[5] In 1943, he was recruited as a saxophonist by the bandleader Lucky Millinder,[4] and the musicians in Millinder's band gave him the nickname "Bull Moose" for his appearance.[1] He began singing when he was required to stand in for Wynonie Harris at a show in Lubbock, Texas.[5]

Millinder encouraged Jackson to sign a solo contract with Syd Nathan of King Records to play rhythm and blues. The first recording in his own right was "I Know Who Threw the Whiskey", in 1946, an answer song to Millinder's "Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well".[1] The following year, his recording of "I Love You, Yes I Do" reputedly became the first R&B single to sell a million copies, holding the number 1 spot on the R&B chart for three weeks and crossing over to the pop chart, where it reached number 24.

He formed his own group, the Buffalo Bearcats, and over the next five years recorded in a wide variety of musical styles, including both romantic crooning and bawdy jump blues. His big hits in 1948 included the double-sided hit "All My Love Belongs to You" / "I Want a Bowlegged Woman",[6] and his biggest R&B chart hit, "I Can't Go on Without You", which stayed at number 1 on the R&B chart for eight weeks. He also made an appearance in the 1948 film Boarding House Blues, with Millinder.[1]

In 1949, Jackson covered "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me", a song that been successful for Wayne Raney and also for several country-and-western performers.[7] In May 1951 he recorded "Wonder When My Baby's Coming Home" with his Bearcats.[8]

Jackson toured throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s. Around 1951, his band included the bebop composer and arranger Tadd Dameron on piano and Benny Golson, another jazz musician, on saxophone.

Some of Jackson's later risqué material, including "Big Ten Inch Record"[9] and "Nosey Joe" (written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller), caused a sensation during live performances but were too suggestive for the radio, and few of the records were sold.[10] However, his band faithfully played "Big Ten Inch Record" at every show.

By the mid-1950s, Jackson was tired of touring and retired from music to work for a catering firm in Washington, D.C.,[5] although he occasionally still performed at private parties. In 1961, he re-recorded "I Love You, Yes I Do" with modern high-fidelity equipment and had a minor hit.

Twenty years later, the Flashcats, a blues band that performed in western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, regularly included "Big Ten Inch Record" in their performances. A local DJ reputedly told the Flashcats that he knew Bull Moose Jackson, and the band's frontman, Carl Grefensette, found him catering at Howard University. Grefensette convinced Jackson to perform with them, and they quickly became a sensation in western Pennsylvania. Jackson then made the Flashcats his backing band and began a revival of his career.[5] He also recorded a comeback album, Moosemania! (1985).[11]

During the 1980s, Jackson, then in his 60s, had an extremely successful run performing in the United States and internationally. However, he fell ill with lung cancer in 1987 and retired from the touring circuit in the spring of 1988. An old girlfriend of his came back to care for him during his final illness. He died in Cleveland on July 31, 1989.[1]

See also

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References

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Bull Moose Jackson

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Benjamin Clarence Jackson Jr. "Bull Moose" Jackson (April 22, 1919 – July 31, 1989) was an American blues and rhythm-and-blues singer and saxophonist, renowned for his versatile career spanning , , and suggestive "" recordings during the . Born in , Jackson initially played before switching to , joining the Orchestra in 1943 where he earned his nickname for his robust playing style. His breakthrough came with King Records, producing hits like the 1947 ballad "I Love You, Yes I Do," the first rhythm-and-blues single to sell a million copies, alongside raunchy tracks such as "" (1952) and "Nosey Joe" (1952) that blended humor with innuendo. After leading his own band, the Buffalo Bearcats, through the and facing a career decline, Jackson worked in non-musical jobs until a 1980s revival sparked by collector Carl Grefenstette, leading to European tours and albums like Moosemania! (1985). He died of in his hometown at age 70, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of the "Honkers and Shouters" era in R&B.

Early Life

Childhood in Cleveland

Benjamin Clarence Jackson Jr., known later as Bull Moose Jackson, was born on April 22, 1919, at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in , . His parents, Benjamin Clarence Jackson Sr. and Margaret Jackson, raised him in an African-American household amid the urban landscape of , a city experiencing significant growth in its Black population due to the Great Migration during the early 20th century. This environment was marked by the challenges of and limited opportunities for Black residents, including in the arts. Jackson's early childhood unfolded in the 1920s and 1930s, a period when Cleveland's vibrant African-American community fostered cultural expression through churches, schools, and local entertainment venues. At age three, he served as a soloist with the Junior Choir of Avery A.M.E. Church, an institution central to the city's Black cultural life. By age four, his parents invested in weekly lessons for singing and violin, reflecting their encouragement of musical development despite economic constraints typical of working-class Black families in urban industrial centers like Cleveland. This familial support introduced him to music early, though the broader jazz and blues scenes in neighborhoods such as Central and Hough—alive with rent parties, speakeasies, and emerging swing bands—provided additional ambient exposure to the sounds that would shape his interests. During his high school years in , Jackson initially pursued under parental guidance but gradually shifted focus as music became a dominant passion over other youthful pursuits. He attended local schools where he became a featured ist in the band, immersing himself in the communal music-making that characterized educational institutions of the era. This period laid the groundwork for his later affinity for the , which he began exploring self-taught amid the influence of admired leaders.

Introduction to Music

Bull Moose Jackson's introduction to music began in his early childhood, when his parents encouraged him to learn the , providing him with formal tuition starting at age four alongside lessons. This initial training reflected a structured approach to classical instruction common in many African American families during the era, fostering his appreciation for and from a young age. However, Jackson's interests soon shifted toward more rhythmic and improvisational sounds, leading him to set aside the violin in favor of the during his high school years. Largely self-taught on the , Jackson supplemented his natural aptitude with a few formal lessons to refine his technique, allowing him to develop a versatile sax style rooted in fundamentals. After graduating from high school in the mid-1930s, he joined trumpeter Freddie Webster's amateur band, the Hotshots, performing swing-infused numbers at community gatherings in and nearby areas. This group marked his first foray into ensemble playing, where he honed his skills through collaborative rehearsals and live sets in Cleveland's vibrant amateur music scene. Jackson's early development was shaped by the swing and saxophonists prevalent in the Midwest during the , whose recordings and regional tours exposed him to the era's energetic big-band sounds and improvisational flair. Local performances with the Harlem Hotshots and subsequent amateur outfits in Cleveland's clubs and halls further sharpened his abilities, as he navigated the competitive circuit of non-professional musicians striving for proficiency amid economic hardship. These experiences built a solid foundation in jazz phrasing and , preparing him for broader opportunities without yet venturing into paid professional engagements.

Professional Career

Time with Lucky Millinder

In 1943, while performing in with a local group called the Harlem Hotshots, Benjamin Jackson was spotted by bandleader , who recruited him to join his orchestra as a tenor saxophonist, replacing after an audition with the reed section including Preston Love and others. This opportunity marked Jackson's entry into professional music, building on the proficiency he had honed during his high school years. During his time with the band, fellow musicians Panama Francis and Trevor Bacon bestowed upon him the nickname "Bull Moose" after commenting on his robust physical appearance during a performance in , likening him to a emerging over a hill; the moniker stuck and became his professional identity. Jackson contributed significantly to the Orchestra's sound from 1943 to 1945, providing dynamic lines influenced by and occasionally stepping in as a vocalist when needed, such as filling in for on tunes like "Hurry, Hurry." The band recorded several tracks for Decca during this period, including the instrumental "Chittlin' Switch" (Decca 18835) in 1945, where Jackson's work added a gritty edge blending swing precision with emerging inflections. In 1945, they also cut sides for the Queen label, such as the instrumental "Jammin' And Jumpin'," showcasing the orchestra's energetic style amid wartime constraints. Throughout , the Millinder orchestra toured extensively across the , performing in clubs and for military audiences via recordings distributed to troops, helping sustain morale with upbeat swing arrangements. Notable venues included rowdy spots like the one in , where protective was installed in front of the stage to shield against thrown whiskey bottles from enthusiastic crowds. These performances highlighted the band's pivotal role in the mid-1940s shift from traditional swing to , incorporating gospel-tinged vocals from artists like and bluesy horn sections that foreshadowed postwar R&B developments.

Solo Debut and Rise to Fame

After leaving Lucky Millinder's orchestra in 1945, Bull Moose Jackson formed the Buffalo Bearcats with alumni from the orchestra and signed a solo contract with Syd Nathan's King Records that year. His debut single, "I Know Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well," released in 1946 on King's subsidiary Queen label, served as an answer record to Millinder's earlier hit and climbed to number 4 on the R&B charts, introducing Jackson's charismatic vocal style and work to a wider audience. In 1947, Jackson achieved his breakthrough with "I Love You, Yes I Do," a romantic ballad backed by the Buffalo Bearcats—a compact ensemble drawn from Millinder alumni that provided tight arrangements. The track topped the R&B charts for three weeks, reached number 24 on the pop charts, and became his first million-selling record, solidifying his status as a leading R&B vocalist. With the Bearcats, Jackson embarked on an intensive early touring schedule across the Midwest and East Coast, performing in theaters and clubs to capitalize on his growing popularity. This period aligned with the post-World War II R&B boom, as returning soldiers and urban migration fueled demand for upbeat, accessible Black music that blended , , and elements. King Records played a pivotal role in this era, as an independent Cincinnati-based label that aggressively promoted R&B artists through its subsidiaries like Queen and Federal, pressing records quickly and distributing them nationwide to meet the surge in and radio play.

Peak Success in the Late 1940s

In 1948, Jackson's Buffalo Bearcats, drawing on top session musicians including pianist , supported his evolving sound. This ensemble backed his breakthrough double-sided single "All My Love Belongs to You" / "I Want a Bowlegged Woman," which climbed to number five on the R&B charts, marking his growing commercial momentum following his signing with King Records. The B-side's playful showcased Jackson's flair for humorous, suggestive lyrics, a style that resonated with audiences and helped solidify his presence in the postwar scene. Jackson's biggest hit that year, "I Can't Go on Without You," topped the R&B charts for eight weeks, demonstrating his vocal prowess in romantic ballads and propelling him to national stardom. The song's extended chart run underscored the Bearcats' tight instrumentation, blending saxophone-driven energy with heartfelt delivery that appealed to both live crowds and radio listeners. Complementing his recording success, Jackson appeared as himself in the 1948 musical film Boarding House Blues, performing alongside acts like Lucky Millinder's orchestra and contributing to the era's vibrant Black entertainment cinema. By 1949, Jackson maintained his chart dominance with a cover of "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me," a lively country-to-R&B adaptation that reached number two on the R&B charts and highlighted his versatility in jump blues arrangements. Recorded in September 1949 with the Buffalo Bearcats, the track featured his signature tenor sax riffs and charismatic vocals, reinforcing his role as a leading figure in the genre's transitional phase toward rock and roll. During this peak, Jackson increasingly incorporated risqué themes into his repertoire, building on the suggestive humor of earlier cuts like "I Want a Bowlegged Woman" toward bolder novelties such as his 1952 recording "Big Ten Inch Record," which exemplified the late-1940s stylistic foundations of his provocative material.

Decline and Retirement

By the mid-1950s, Bull Moose Jackson's career experienced a significant decline, primarily due to the rising popularity of rock 'n' roll, which shifted musical tastes away from the style that had defined his success, and his departure from King Records in 1955 after a decade with the label. One of his final efforts with King came in 1951, when he recorded the ballad "Wonder When My Baby's Coming Home," backed by his Buffalo Bearcats; around this time, the band included tenor saxophonist . though it failed to recapture his earlier chart momentum. Around 1954–1955, Jackson retired from full-time music amid these challenges, relocating to , where he took a job in the catering business to support himself, occasionally performing at private events but largely stepping away from the industry. In 1961, Jackson attempted a brief comeback with a re-recording of his 1947 hit "I Love You, Yes I Do" for 7 Arts Records, utilizing modern high-fidelity technology; the single achieved minor success, peaking at number 10 on the R&B chart and number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1980s Revival

In the early 1980s, Bull Moose Jackson was rediscovered through the efforts of Carl Grefenstette, leader of the Pittsburgh-based R&B revival band The Flashcats, who had been performing Jackson's classic songs in their sets. A local DJ connected Grefenstette with Jackson, then working in catering in Washington, D.C., leading to Jackson's guest appearance with the band in 1983; this collaboration evolved into The Flashcats serving as his regular backing group for nostalgia-driven performances across the U.S. The partnership culminated in the 1985 release of the comeback album Moosemania!, recorded with The Flashcats and issued on Bogus Records, featuring reinterpreted versions of Jackson's hits alongside new material like the single "Get Off the Table, Mable." This album marked a significant resurgence, coinciding with a nationwide tour that included a high-profile performance at and the proclamation of "Bullmoose Jackson Day" in on June 21, 1985. Jackson's revival extended internationally, as he toured in 1985 as a special guest with the Show, performing at events like the North Sea Jazz Festival and reigniting interest in his 1940s R&B catalog among European audiences. These tours, supported by reissues from Swedish label Route 66 Records, drew enthusiastic crowds and highlighted Jackson's enduring appeal in his late 60s. He continued select performances with The Flashcats until retiring from touring in spring 1988 due to declining health.

Musical Style and Contributions

Genres and Influences

Bull Moose Jackson was a prominent figure in and (R&B), genres that defined much of his output during the and . His music also incorporated elements of , characterized by suggestive and risqué lyrics that explored taboo themes of sexuality, as seen in his recordings that blended humor with explicit innuendo. Additionally, Jackson's work drew from foundations, particularly in his early instrumental performances, contributing to the uptempo, energetic style of that bridged swing and postwar R&B. Jackson's influences were rooted in the swing era's traditions and the gritty of the Midwest, where he grew up in . He was shaped by the vibrant scene around bandleaders like , whose orchestra featured swinging, riff-based arrangements that emphasized solos and rhythmic drive. These elements combined with local traditions, infusing his sound with a raw, emotive quality that resonated in urban African American communities. While specific personal influences like individual saxophonists are not extensively documented, his style echoed the honking tenor sax approach popularized by swing ensembles transitioning into R&B. Over his career, Jackson's style evolved from an instrumental focus in the early , where he excelled as a saxophonist in settings, to vocal-led R&B by the late , prioritizing charismatic singing over solos. This shift reflected broader genre transitions in postwar music, moving from structured ensembles to more accessible, dance-oriented R&B formats. His recordings often showcased a dual persona: tender, romantic ballads that highlighted smooth vocal delivery and heartfelt lyrics, contrasted with playful, risqué "" songs that used double entendres for comedic effect, appealing to diverse audiences in the emerging R&B market.

Signature Songs and Recordings

Bull Moose Jackson's recording career with King Records produced a series of influential singles, beginning with his solo debut in 1946. Among his earliest successes was the 1947 release "I Love You, Yes I Do," backed with "" on King 4181, recorded with his Buffalo Bearcats ensemble in . This ballad, written by Henry Glover and Sally Nix, topped the R&B chart for three weeks and became the first R&B single to sell one million copies. In 1948, Jackson followed with the double-sided hit "All My Love Belongs to You" / "I Want a Bowlegged Woman" on King 4189, again featuring the Buffalo Bearcats. The A-side reached number 3 on the R&B chart, while the B-side contributed to its overall popularity as one of Jackson's signature uptempo tracks during his peak years. By 1952, he issued "Big Ten Inch Record," written by Fred Weismantel and backed with "I Needed" on King 4580; though it did not chart significantly at the time, it later gained cult status for its playful innuendo. Over his primary tenure with King Records from 1945 to 1954, Jackson released a total of 34 singles on the King and Queen labels, many backed by his Buffalo Bearcats, which included notable sidemen such as pianist during 1951 sessions. These recordings captured his versatile work and vocal style, often produced under the supervision of label owner in modest studio settings. In the , during his revival, Jackson recorded the Moosemania! (1985) with the Flashcats, a Pittsburgh-based ensemble, marking his return to wax after decades away. Posthumously, Jackson's King-era output has been preserved through reissues, including the four-disc compilation The King R&B Box Set (1995), which features tracks like "" alongside other label artists. This Rhino Records collection highlights his contributions to postwar R&B, drawing from original masters to showcase 85 seminal recordings from the catalog.

Legacy in Rhythm and Blues

Bull Moose Jackson's contributions to (R&B) played a pivotal role in the genre's transition to , particularly through his suggestive "dirty blues" style that influenced later rock performers. His 1952 recording of "," with its playful double entendres, exemplified the bawdy humor that bridged R&B and emerging rock aesthetics, and it was notably covered by on their 1975 album Toys in the Attic, exposing Jackson's work to broader rock audiences and underscoring the enduring appeal of his phrasing. This cover, among others, highlighted how Jackson's R&B innovations—characterized by energetic riffs and rhythmic drive—helped lay foundational elements for rock's rhythmic and lyrical boldness during the 1950s and beyond. Posthumously, Jackson received recognition for his R&B pioneering, including induction into the Cleveland Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2009, honoring his impact as a singer and saxophonist from 's blues scene. His recordings have been featured in R&B compilations such as The King Records R&B Anthology volumes and the 2023 release Groovin' in the Gritty Dirty Blues - Bull Moose Jackson Raw and Real, preserving his hits like "I Love You, Yes I Do" within the genre's historical canon and ensuring their availability to modern listeners. These honors reflect considerations for his place in blues halls, emphasizing his role in elevating R&B's commercial and artistic profile in the late 1940s. Despite his influence, gaps persist in historical coverage of Jackson's career and life, with limited documentation on his personal details—such as relationships or daily experiences beyond music—and sparse records of his non-King Records output, including an unissued 1950s session for . Many biographical sources remain outdated, predating 2010 and relying on incomplete interviews or label archives, which overlook nuances of his post-1950s activities. Jackson also contributed to preserving amid the rock era's dominance in the and , maintaining performances of uptempo, horn-driven R&B even as rock overshadowed the style; his revival, including European tours and collaborations with revival bands, helped sustain interest in jump blues traditions through live sets and reissues. This effort ensured that elements of his energetic, dance-oriented sound endured, influencing R&B revivalists and preventing the full eclipse of pre-rock R&B forms.

Personal Life and Death

Family and Personal Details

Bull Moose Jackson was married twice. His first wife predeceased him, and he later married Peggy Jackson, a native, after relocating there. He had three children: a son, Darron J. Jackson, with his second wife; and two daughters from his first marriage, Margaret Jackson of and Denise Jackson of Washington. Following his retirement from full-time music in the mid-1950s, Jackson pursued a stable non-musical career in , where he joined a firm upon relocating there in 1964 and later worked in food services at from 1976 onward, continuing until around 1988. This period reflected his shift to urban life in the nation's capital, a common path for many African-American artists seeking reliable employment amid post-war economic shifts, though specific personal hobbies or pursuits beyond work are not detailed in records.

Health Issues and Passing

In 1987, Bull Moose Jackson was diagnosed with , which severely impacted his health and forced him to cease touring in the spring of 1988. During his final illness, an old girlfriend returned to care for him. He passed away on July 31, 1989, at in , , at the age of 70, due to complications from . Brief tributes appeared in blues publications following his death.

References

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  13. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/702
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040176/
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