Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon was an influential and charismatic figure in the pre-war American music scene, known for his distinctive voice and flamboyant stage presence. Born in Montgomery, Alabama on February 3, 1897, Jaxon (whose real name was Frank Devera Jackson) earned his nickname due to his slight stature. His career took off in Chicago during the 1920s where he became a renowned vaudeville performer, blending comedy with his musical performances.

Jaxon's style was a potent cocktail of jazz, blues, and hokum, a particular type of raucous, humorous blues. He became famous for his playful, suggestive lyrics and lively vocal delivery, leaving audiences both entertained and scandalized in equal measure. With hits like "It Must Be Jelly (Cos Jam Don’t Shake Like That)" and "Jive Man Blues," Jaxon secured his place in the annals of American music as a pioneer of jazzy blues. Although his recording career spanned a relatively short period from the mid-1920s to the early 1940s, his work continued to influence musicians long after he stepped away from the microphone. Compilations of his work, including "Frankie 'Half-Pint' Jaxon Vol. 1 1926-1929," reflect the depth and variety of his talent and preserve the legacy of a truly original artist.

Genres

Jug Band

Vintage Swing

Latest Release

It Must Be Jelly (Cos Jam Don’t Shake Like That)

Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon

Single - Released January 29, 2021