On December 30th, 2014 my father Melvin Jackson saxophonist for more than 20yrs of B.B. King passed away. It was a shock to me, because I never thought that he would leave me in such a short time. Don't get me wrong....although I'm thankful that I was able to spend time with him before making that transition, but I don't think were really ever ready to say good bye to our loved ones. I want you to know that I did find comfort in knowing that he was no longer suffering here on this earth, and I am eternally grateful for the music that my grandfather Jerry Jackson, him and my mother MaryAnn Jackson passed on to me in my birth:-) My mother used to tell me all the time these words "You act just like your father" and me I would answer ("that's not true") well I'm here to tell you that after spending 3 1/2 months with him continuously she was right!, that I indeed do have a lot of his ways. What I picked up to be the same character just like him was the following: 1. We both have the same smile & nearly the same teeth:-) 2. We both have a passion for the music 3. We are both very funny at times (almost comedians) 4. We draw people to us easily and that's just to name a few.
I truly miss my daddy so much already and I was so amazed that nearly everyone that I spoke with only had good words to say about him as a man and his ability to have friendship's with more than one person for more than 40yrs. that considered him as a part of their families. I found that he also was a humble man and didn't brag on his accomplishments and awards that he had received in his lifetime, in fact he never spoke about them to me, so you can imagine how surprised I was when I found out about the Gold LP/Cassette he received and the 2014 W.C. HANDY Blues Award for being one of the original Beale Street Blues Musicians in Tennessee among several other awards.
I'd like to also say thank you to everyone that has shared in my loss and whom has been so encouraging throughout this time for me, even on my FB social media page I was so over whelmed at all the love I have received from family, friends, fans, associates etc.... I deeply thank you for your continued concern to reach out and check on me. I love you all and of course Daddy I love you more than words could ever say........Rest In Peace Ciao Bello "It's Just That Simple"