jackson was born on january 1, 1923 in detroit, michigan, united states, the son of manley jackson and lillie beaty jackson. like many, he was surrounded by music from an early age, particularly that of religious meetings: "everyone wants to know where i got that funky style. well, it came from church. the music i heard was open, relaxed, impromptu soul music" (quoted in nat hentoff's liner notes to plenty, plenty soul). he started on guitar when he was seven, then on piano at 11.