Milt Jackson, born on January 1, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, was an iconic American jazz vibraphonist, best known for his distinctive playing style and his crucial role in popularizing the vibraphone as a jazz instrument. Often going by the nickname "Bags," a reference to the bags under his eyes, Jackson's blues-influenced improvisations and tender ballad playing made him a central figure in the development of modern jazz.

In a career spanning several decades, Milt Jackson's virtuosity and soulful expression elevated him to legendary status among jazz musicians. He co-founded the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ), through which he showcased his talents from 1952 until the group's final disbanding in the mid-90s, providing the quartet with its distinctive sound. Jackson was also known for his remarkable collaborations with other jazz greats, such as his album "Bags Meets Wes," with guitarist Wes Montgomery, which remains a landmark recording. Outside the MJQ, Milt's discography is a testament to his versatility and continued relevance in the jazz world, with standout solo albums like "On Riverside" and collaborative projects such as "The Very Tall Band," where he joined forces with other jazz luminaries like Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. Despite passing away on October 9, 1999, Milt Jackson's influence on jazz is felt to this day, with his recordings remaining as a testament to his profound musical legacy.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Hard Bop

Jazz

Jazz Vibraphone

Soul Jazz

Related Artists

Oscar Peterson

Thelonious Monk

Wes Montgomery

Dizzy Gillespie

John Coltrane

Miles Davis

Herbie Hancock

Sonny Rollins

Art Blakey

Lionel Hampton

Ray Brown

Ray Charles

Latest Release

On Riverside: Milt Jackson

Milt Jackson

Album - 15 Tracks - Released November 2, 2023