Joe Jackson

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Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK (1978 – present)

Joe Jackson (born 11 August 1954 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, as David Ian Jackson) is a British musician. Jackson is probably best known for the hit singles Is She Really Going Out With Him? (1979) and Steppin’ Out (1982). Although born in Staffordshire, Jackson grew up in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England.

He started off learning to play the violin but soon switched to piano. From the age of 16 he played in bars, and won a scholarship to study musical composition at London’s Royal Academy of Music. Jackson did not like the prospect of being a serious composer, and moved towards pop and rock.

His first band was Arms and Legs which collapsed after two unsuccessful singles. He then spent some time in the cabaret circuit to make money to record his own demos.

In 1978 a producer heard his tape, and got him signed to A&M Records. The album Look Sharp! was recorded straight away, and was released in 1979, quickly followed by I’m The Man and Beat Crazy in 1980. He also collaborated with Lincoln Thompson in reggae crossover.

The Joe Jackson Band was very successful and toured extensively. After the breakup of the band, Joe took a break and recorded an album of old-style swing and blues tunes, Jumpin’ Jive, featuring songs of Cab Calloway, Lester Young, Glenn Miller, and most prominently, Louis Jordan. He went on to record Night And Day, an album that paid tribute to the wit and style of Cole Porter (and less directly, to New York City) and was his last album to hit the Top 10, peaking at #4.

He recorded another record that was heavily influenced by jazz, pop and jazz standards, and salsa, Body And Soul, which hit #20, containing the hit You Can’t Get What You Want (‘til You Know What You Want).
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  • crunkhero

    Graham Maby's bass lines are the soul of Joe's music.

    last month
  • te_a_fatige

    holy shit Andy Partridge, i FOUND YOU AGAIN AT LAST.

    October 2011
  • FionnKirwan

    Geraldine And John what can i say the songs got it going on

    September 2011
  • Kershlaus91

    wtf !? tag : joe jackson

    September 2011
  • RealFunkadelic

    This man is an incredible musical goodie bag, such a creative genius!

    August 2011
  • LyricsRme1

    I used to love the video for this song; it fit perfectly!

    July 2011
  • boogawk

    Steppin' Out!

    May 2011
  • DaveCardinal

    Look sharp!

    May 2011
  • Ringwraith1976

    Be My Number Two - is my one of my favorite ones having said that there all brilliant :)

    March 2011
  • rhcpreint

    Beat Crazy is such a fantasic and underrated album...

    March 2011
  • oracool43

    Shanghai Sky & Steppin' Out - Super!!!

    February 2011
  • krustywazoo

    I have "Night and Day" on vinyl for Christmas. It was one of the best gifts I have ever received. I'm surprised that I haven't listened to it before today, outside of the singles!

    December 2010
  • gamaboi

    the local radio station plays this douche every morning at the 7:30 hour. every. single. morning. don't wanna hear a shitty elvis costello ripoff every day while i'm in the car thanks

    December 2010
  • CitizenStrife

    first album has to be my favourite.

    December 2010
  • Raku92

    he's awesome, amazing voice, live songs sounds like from studio

    September 2010
  • shortringo

    I'm the man. awesome

    August 2010
  • mintonmedia

    Steppin' Out is my anthem.

    August 2010
  • daverave38

    \o/

    August 2010
  • bingbongbilly

    My favourite Joe Jackson track Fools in Love.

    July 2010
  • rosmaritbrum

    Very beautiful............

    July 2010
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