Click here for a biography from David Cole, Editor of "In the Basement"

Walter Jackson was born on March 19, 1938 in Pensacola, Florida. His parents moved to Detroit while he was still a baby.Walter contracted Polio very young, which meant the use of crutches. His schooling was at Northwestern High in Detroit but all he wanted to do was sing. He joined the Velvetones as lead singer..others members being Ronald Head, Neil Magby, Bobby Jones and a lady called Marion... The group recorded one record in 1959 without much success. After the group broke up Walter did cabaret work in local clubs. It was in one of thses that he came across Carl Davis who asked Walter to join him in Chicago to record. The first release in 1962 'I Don't Want To Suffer' only made a little noise, but got Walter noticed. Over the next few years nothing much happened, but the appearance of Curtis Mayfiled changed that. 'That's What Mama Said' (answer song to Jan Bradley's 'Mama Didn't Lie') was their first try but both sides died. The next faired better 'It's All Over' which, although not hitting the heights Stateswise, was a hit in Chicago and Detroit. More hits followed, this time at Okeh, they released 4 albums... which was not the usual in the early 60's. Walter had always admitted he was a pop/MOR singer.. so finding the balance with Davis was never easy.

David left in 1965 and Ted Cooper took over Walter's productions. The first release was a classic, 'Uphill Climb To The Bottom' in May 1966. More Cooper-produced songs followed. Walter even recorded a hit from Jimmy Radcliffe 'My Ship is Coming In' in 1967.. Things took a downhill slope after this.. with the record company fading and Walter moving to Epic, but without any success. A minor hit ended the 60's..'Any Way That you Want Me' on Cotillion.

In 1973 Walter rejoined Carl Davis with Brunswick Records, but after 2 lacklustre attempts he decided to take a break from the business. He returned in 1976 again pairing up with Davis who had started his own company Chi-Sound Records. Again, untypically, an album was released.'Feeling Good' which was more the style Walter always craved to record, comprised of pop/soul covers. Other albums followed, and altho the theme of doing standards etc continued, there were some gems to be found. By the early 80's the Chi-Sound company was fading but Davis persuaded Columbia to release one more album.. 'Tell Me Where It Hurts' in 1981.

Walter Jackson died from a stroke on June 19, 1983. Three days earlier Chi_Sound released 'It's Cool' and after his passing a memorialalbum was released.

Walter has been overlooked by many soul fans, but the Soul Brother is a big fan. Delve into the albums to be taken over by the Walter magic!