J&R MusicFest Spotlight: Joe & Freddie Jackson
The J&R MusicFest 2006 is a celebration of jazz, soul and hip-hop — 3 musical styles that spent their formative years here in Manhattan. Some of the most influential performers in these genres lived, wrote, performed and toured on these same streets, in the same clubs and studios we walk past on our way to work. The MusicFest is a great way to celebrate Manhattan’s musical heritage, while giving something back to the city that have made our little operation a big success. See a full schedule.
The series of shows will start tomorrow, Thursday August 24. We’ve already profiled one of the performers, the lovely Corinne Bailey Rae. Today we’ll discuss the other two superstars we’ll be featuring in City Hall Park. After Ms. Rae we’ll be treated to the voice of Freddie Jackson. Freddie was ‘born into singing’: His mother was singing on stage at her church when she went into labor with him. He grew up attending the shows at the Apollo Theater absorbing The Jackson 5 and Otis Redding, while listening to Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke at home. He followed in his mother’s footsteps by singing in church at 13, and he’s been doing it ever since. You can hear his influences in his voice, and the combination of powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics make Jackson great. Lift up your spirits by coming out to hear him sing moving hits like “Rock Me Tonight” and “You are My Lady.”
After the Freddie Jackson performance, we’ll get to see Joe – a vocalist whose smooth and sultry voice earned him a number of R&B hits. Like Freddie, he got his start in church where he sang and played guitar. Influenced by gospel stars like Vanessa Bell Armstrong and The Winans, he also loved Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. He combined their styles and created a powerful sound — his voice creates a mood that transports listeners to other places. When you’re listening to Joe, it’s hard to think about anything else. Come down to the park and let his voice make you forget your troubles for a while.
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