Al Jackson Jr

Al Jackson, born November 27, 1935 in Memphis, TN, was an American drummer, producer, and songwriter, best known as "The Human Timekeeper" and a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s — a group made up of session musicians who worked for Stax Records and produced their own instrumentals. Jackson was with Booker T. & the M.G.'s from 1962 to 1971, then 1973 until his death in 1975.

Jackson started playing the drums at a very early age — performing on stage with his father's jazz/swing dance band by the time he was five years old.

Throughout his career, Jackson performed and/or recorded with the likes of blues guitarist Albert King, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Rufus Thomas, Sam & Dave, Ann Peebles, Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, Eric Clapton, Jean Knight, Jerry Lee Lewis, Herbie Mann, Leon Russell, Major Lance, Shirley Brown, and Tina Turner.

Booker T and the MG's had quite a few hit singles including "Green Onions" (1962) and "Time Is Tight" (1969). Jackson also co-wrote and played drums on several Al Green hit recordings including "Let's Stay Together" and "I'm Still in Love with You".

Al Jackson Jr. died on October 1, 1975 after being shot shot dead by burglars at his home; he was 39 years old.

Jackson was inducted posthumous into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

While at Stax Records (Memphis, TN), Al Jackson Jr's drumkit (Rogers drums and Zidjian cymbals) always remained set up and mic'd 24 hours day, 7 days a week.

The Rogers drums, all in a black finish:

• 14x20 bass drum
• 8x12 mounted tom
• 16x16 floor tom
• 5x14 Rogers Powertone, 8-lug, wood snare drum

In 1960s, Jackson would often times use a 5x14 Ludwig Acrolite snare drum for live performances.

The Zildjian cymbals:

• 14" hi-hats
• 16" crash cymbal
• 18" ride cymbal

To dampen his snare drum, Jackson always used his wallet. He never changed the drumheads unless one broke.

At Stax, the drums were recorded with two mics; a RCA 77 (ribbon capsule mic) placed up under the hi-hat, and an RCA 44 on the bass drum (with front resonant head intact). In later years the front bass drum head was removed on occasion. 

Al Jackson Jr played drums "Green Onions", an instrumental R&B hit recorded in 1962 by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The drum groove is a classic and should be in every drummer's arsenal. CLICK HERE to listen to an audio sample.