Wayne Jackson

Wayne Lamar Jackson (November 24, 1941 – June 21, 2016) was a prominent figure in the American soul and R&B music scene, celebrated for his mastery of the trumpet. He began his journey in West Memphis, Arkansas, where he was born just days apart from fellow musician Andrew Love. Their collaboration led to the creation of the iconic horn sound at Stax Records, which became synonymous with the hits of legends such as Otis Redding and Sam & Dave. Notably, Jackson lent his voice to the Mar-Keys' hit "Last Night," thanks to his position near the microphone during recording sessions.

As a vital member of the Stax house band, Jackson contributed to timeless tracks like "Try a Little Tenderness" by Redding and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. The band often worked without written arrangements, relying on their improvisational skills, which played a significant role in shaping the unique Memphis soul sound.

In 1969, Jackson and Love formed The Memphis Horns, embarking on a successful freelance career. Relocating to Nashville in 1978, Jackson became the first horn player to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and toured with country music stars, including Marty Robbins. His prominence surged again in 1986 when he featured prominently on Peter Gabriel's hit "Sledgehammer."

For their contributions to music, The Memphis Horns received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Jackson passed away at 74 due to congestive heart failure, but he remained active, providing guided tours at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, even in his later years.