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Raymond Earl Jackson Sr
“The Missing Link”
Raymond Earl Jackson Sr., revered as “The Missing Link,” was an accomplished songwriter, a gifted guitarist, and a notable music producer. He stood as an unsung hero behind the scenes at Memphis Stax and Volt Records, pivotal labels responsible for shaping the soulful landscape of Southern music.
Recognized as “Ray” among peers, his musical career soared to great heights before his sudden passing. He had just concluded a fruitful two-week session with executive vice president Al Bell for an upcoming Staple Singers album, contributing to tracks like “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me),” “Touch a Hand Make a Friend,” and “Be What You Are.”
His musical prowess extended beyond production, as he lent his guitar skills to iconic songs like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Singers, Luther Ingram’s “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right),” and Johnnie Taylor’s “Who’s Making Love,” among numerous R&B chart-toppers, all marking his indelible impact in the realm of music.
“Stax’s Raymond Earl Jackson Sr”
Even after his passing, Stax and Volt Records continued releasing R&B albums and singles from his extensive Muscle Shoals sessions, celebrating his legacy and integral role in the label’s success.
Raymond Earl Jackson Sr.’s contributions were cherished not only in the United States but also globally, resonating deeply with music enthusiasts worldwide. His influence was a cornerstone of the labels’ success, evident in the timeless songs that endure across generations.
“Some Quotes about our father (Raymond Jackson)”
Several notable figures in the industry paid tribute to Raymond Jackson, expressing profound sadness at his loss and recognizing his immense talent. Jim Stewart, president of Memphis Stax and Volt Records Labels, highlighted Raymond’s everlasting impact on everyone he encountered, emphasizing his unwavering zest for life.
Vice President Al Bell extolled the pinnacle achievement of Raymond’s work with the Staple Singers, particularly in the production of “If You Ready (Come Go with Me),” emphasizing the completeness and resonance of Raymond Earl Jackson Sr.’s production.
Raymond Earl Jackson Sr. had ultimately imparted his signature sound to the Staple Singers’ records. He served as the vital influence and missing piece necessary for their musical progression. Anticipation grew for forthcoming sessions, as it was clear that Raymond possessed a sound capable of making waves across the diverse landscape of the music marketplace.
“The road that God set before Us”
Amidst the sorrow of their father’s untimely departure, Raymond Jr. and Cornes sought solace and inspiration within his lasting legacy. They set forth on an individual journey, gradually unfolding a divine vision that didn’t come to both simultaneously but eventually guided them along a path illuminated by God. This path led them to passionately pursue the creation, arrangement, and production of original music, each charting their own course.
Their father’s treasured motto, “Write for the people!”, became their beacon, guiding their creative endeavors. With the revelation of their destiny and heritage, they embarked on crafting and arranging their unique musical compositions. In their hearts, they held dear their father’s invaluable “Golden Rule” – the ethos of crafting music that deeply connects with and serves the people.
“The road that God set before Us”
We didn’t get the chance to walk in our Destiny. Because of the death of our father Raymond Jackson Sr. All of our life consisted of doing everything besides walking in our Destiny.
The Vision from Above was revealed finally to both of us not at the same time, but at last we found ourselves vigorously walking in the path that God set before us. Our Destiny and Heritage, finally the journey had begun writing, arranging and composing our own (W3) original material. The one thing that stuck with us was our Dad’s Golden Rule! “Which was writing for the people!”
Raymond Earl Jackson Sr
“Stax’s Raymond Earl Jackson Sr”
Our father Raymond Earl Jackson Sr, Songwriter, Guitarist and Producer , grew up in Memphis Tenn. He was one of the unsung heroes behind Stax Records, the Memphis label responsible for much of the finest southern soul music! Prior to his death Raymond was at the peak of success with his musical career.
“He was one of the last great song craftsmen, “he knew the difference between writing a song and crafting a song, and he was a master at it; ‘where every word had so much weight.
As a producer, song writer and master guitarist, “Raymond E Jackson Sr,” put his fingerprint on various soulful recordings!!!
Luther Ingram “If Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want to Be Right,” and Johnny Taylor’s “Who’s Making Love,” were just two of our father slash hits. Raymond E Jackson.’ Stax continued to release various RnB singles from his prior and massive Muscle Shoals sessions, after his death, Hits like, The Staple Singers, “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me),” “Touch a Hand, Make a Friend, and “Be What You Are,” R&B chart toppers. Those days must have been amazing, with all the wonderful music written, recorded and produced, Stax had so many great songwriters, musicians, arrangers and producers who played their part in the success various artists and bands enjoyed. Guys like our dad Raymond Jackson played a hugely important part in Stax music’s success!! The music is still cherished by people all over the world, especially here in United States of America.
“Some Quotes about our father (Raymond Jackson)”
Jim Stewart, then president of Stax Records, (Memphis) stated; “Today is marked with sadness as once again we taste the bitter fruit of tragedy in our family with the death of Raymond Jackson.” ‘Our sorrow runs deep because Ray has touched each of us in a way we can never forget! “One thing I especially remembered about him is that I have never seen him turned off on life.”
Vice Pesident Al Bell state; that his song “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)” was the pinnacle achievement and would continue to a awesome strings of Staple Singers Records. In ‘Come Go with Me.’ stresses Bell, you hear the absolute completeness of what Raymond Jackson had pull together production-wise. He had finally given the Staple Singers records his sound! ‘He was the key influence and the piece needed to carry forth!’ “We looked forward to the next sessions because I knew Raymond had a sound that could cut in all directions in the marketplace.”