Chuck Jackson stood out in the golden era of rhythm and blues. With his smooth yet gritty baritone, he brought depth and emotion to every song. Best known for hits like “Any Day Now” and “I Don’t Want to Cry,” Jackson helped shape the soul sound of the early 1960s.
He was also among the first artists to turn Burt Bacharach’s songwriting into mainstream success. Jackson’s career spanned decades, and his influence still resonates in music today.
| Full Name | Charles Benjamin Jackson |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Chuck Jackson |
| Born | July 22, 1937 |
| Died | February 16, 2023 |
| Place of Birth | Latta, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Doo-Wop |
| Years Active | 1957–2010s |
| Labels | Wand, Scepter, Motown, ABC, EMI |
| Notable Hits | “Any Day Now”, “I Don’t Want to Cry”, “I Keep Forgettin’” |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Chuck Jackson was born Charles Benjamin Jackson on July 22, 1937, in Latta, South Carolina. His family later moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. As a teenager, Jackson sang gospel music with The Raspberry Singers. Gospel influenced his expressive vocal style, laying the groundwork for his future in R&B.
He attended South Carolina State College before focusing full-time on music. In 1957, Jackson joined the Del Vikings, one of the first integrated doo-wop groups. He toured and recorded with them briefly, gaining valuable experience.
Going Solo and Breakthrough Hits
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By 1959, Jackson was ready to strike out on his own. While opening for Jackie Wilson at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, he caught the attention of producer Luther Dixon. Dixon helped him land a deal with Wand Records, a subsidiary of Scepter Records.
In 1961, Jackson released his first solo single, “I Don’t Want to Cry,” co-written with Dixon. It climbed to No. 5 on the R&B chart and No. 36 on the pop chart. The song’s success marked Jackson’s arrival as a solo artist.
He followed up with more releases, including “I Wake Up Crying” and “Mr. Pride.” Though these singles didn’t chart as high, they showcased his talent for emotional storytelling.
Signature Song: “Any Day Now”
Jackson’s defining hit came in 1962 with “Any Day Now.” Written by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard, the song blended orchestral arrangements with Jackson’s soulful vocals. It became a crossover success, peaking at No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
This single cemented Jackson’s place in the R&B world. It also made him one of the first artists to bring a Bacharach/Hilliard composition to a wide audience, years before Dionne Warwick rose to fame with similar material.
He followed up with more hits throughout the early to mid-1960s, including:
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“I Keep Forgettin’” (1962)
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“Tell Him I’m Not Home” (1963)
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“Beg Me” (1964)
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“Since I Don’t Have You” (1965, cover of The Skyliners’ classic)
Each release added to his catalog of heartfelt ballads and mid-tempo soul grooves.
Motown and the Late 1960s
As his popularity grew, Motown Records took notice. They bought out the remainder of Jackson’s contract from Scepter. In 1968, Jackson began recording with Motown and released albums like “Chuck Jackson Arrives!” and “Goin’ Back to Chuck Jackson.”
Although his Motown singles such as “Honey Come Back” and “Are You Lonely for Me Baby” performed moderately, they didn’t match the commercial highs of his early career.
Still, Jackson’s work during this period remained consistent. He also teamed up with fellow R&B vocalist Maxine Brown for several duets, including “Something You Got” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.”
Later Work and Collaborations
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jackson continued to record, this time for labels like ABC, All Platinum, and EMI America. In 1975, he released “Needing You, Wanting You,” which received critical praise but modest chart success.
He remained active in the studio and on stage, and in 1998, he reunited with longtime friend Dionne Warwick. Together, they released the duet “If I Let Myself Go,” produced by Charles Wallert. The track reached No. 19 on the Gavin Adult Contemporary chart. Another Wallert-produced song, “What Goes Around Comes Around,” hit No. 13.
Influence on Other Artists
Jackson’s music found new life through covers and samples. Notably:
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In 1982, country and adult contemporary singer Ronnie Milsap covered “Any Day Now,” sending it to No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
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Michael McDonald turned “I Keep Forgettin’” into a 1982 pop hit. The song was later sampled by Warren G in his hip-hop track “Regulate.”
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David Bowie also covered “I Keep Forgettin’” for his 1984 album Tonight.
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Big Pig’s 1989 cover of “I Can’t Break Away” appeared in the movie Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
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In 2007, house singer Inaya Day gave “I Can’t Break Away” a fresh update.
These versions show how Jackson’s songs transcended genres and decades.
Legacy and Recognition
Over the years, Jackson remained active not just musically, but also in civic and humanitarian efforts. He participated in charity events and promoted music education in urban communities.
In 1992, he received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Then in 2015, he was inducted into the Official Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Death and Legacy
Chuck Jackson passed away on February 16, 2023, at the age of 85. His music lives on through his original recordings and the many artists who continue to reinterpret his work. He remains a vital figure in the history of American R&B and soul music.