Wayne Jackson – Memphis Flyer

Last week, Memphis lost one of its great players in the person of Wayne Jackson, the trumpet half of the Memphis Horns, at age 74.

In addition to his rightfully famous work with Stax legends such as Otis Redding and Sam & Dave, Jackson and his partner Andrew Love (who passed away in 2012) were prolific session musicians who spread the gospel of Memphis music worldwide. Take, for example, this song, the theme to the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, where Jackson backed Alicia Keys and Jack White.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson

Here’s Wayne playing with Neil Young in 2005.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (2)

The Memphis Horns filled out the sound for Steve Winwood in this #1 smash that was inescapable in 1988.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (3)

That same year, when U2 came to Memphis to record at Sun Studios for their Rattle and Hum album, they called Jackson and Love.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (4)

What’s that you say? This list needs more Peter Gabriel? Wayne helped out on his biggest hit.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (5)

Here’s Wayne and Andrew playing Late Night With David Letterman, accompanying Robert Cray.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (7)

In 1977, they appeared on this number one hit…

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (8)

…and recorded this solo album:

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (6)

And all that without even touching the seminal work they did with Memphis artists like Al Green…

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (9)

…or Ann Peebles.

Music Video Monday: Wayne Jackson (10)

So let us toast to the work of a Memphis legend, evidence of a life well lived.

If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com

Wayne Jackson.

Wayne Jackson, a member of the Memphis Horns and the Mar-Keys, passed away last night due to congestive heart failure. He was 74 years old. Jackson was an integral figure at Stax Records in the ’60s before leaving the studio and forming the Memphis Horns with Andrew Love.

The duo went on to play on hits for big name stars like Elvis Presley, and James Taylor (among MANY others), and won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 before Love passed away later that year.

Amy Jackson released the following statement yesterday on her husband’s Facebook page:

“Tonight I lost my husband and best friend to congestive heart failure. Wayne and I shared 25 magical and amazing years together. He was a beautiful soul who touched the world with his trumpet. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his incredible musical legacy, which he leaves us with.

God gave him a gift, and he used it to the fullest. As he said in his 2012 acceptance speech for the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, “It’s been a dance of love between me and that trumpet.” He loved his family, his friends and his fans the world over. Tonight raise a toast to a life well-lived.”

There are no memorial service details at this time, but listen to the Mar-Keys classic below, and take a moment for what has been a tough two weeks for the greater Memphis music scene.

Remembering Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns