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Trumpet Celebrity Interviews
[ a celebration of the artistry of ALL styles of Trumpet ]
W A Y N E J A C K S O N
....Joined The Mar-Keys and began career as a teenager at Stax Records working with:
Booker T. & the MG's
Otis Redding
Sam & Dave
Wayne (and Andrew Love) ARE "The Memphis Horns" over time working with:
Otis Redding
The Robert Cray Band
Lenny Kravitz
Sting
Rod Stewart
Primal Scream
Collective Soul
Jimmy Buffett
Joe Cocker
Marty Robbins
The Doobie Brothers
and MANY others....
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Would you like to add your web address at this point?
http://www.sweetmedicinemusic.com
What made you decide to play trumpet?
Mother bought me a trumpet when I was 11 years old. She loved the big bands...Harry James and Louis Armstrong. We danced around the house to their music with my aunts. We had a ball. The first time I blew through the trumpet, it made a beautiful sound and smelled good, too. Like oil and brass with felt thrown in for good measure. It was love! I already had a guitar and had been taking lessons. I knew a few chords and had been sitting around the radio trying to fit what I knew into the music, and I was writing songs of my own, too.
When I learned to play the trumpet well enough, I sat around and did the same with it.
At what age did you start?
I was 7 when I received the guitar and 11 when I got the trumpet. I started lessons in the fifth grade.
On leaving your education, have you always been a full time musician?
Yes, I was in a garage band with Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn called The Mar-Keys, and we had a hit record first try. It was titled, "Last Night" and sold a million copies. I was on the staff at Stax after that, and then Andrew Love and I left Stax and formed The Memphis Horns, which has lasted until now…40 years together making records and touring with various artists.
Describe your early experiences of semi / pro work.
The first paying union gig was when I was in the 11th grade. I played with the Colie Stoltz band at the Mid South Rodeo for 10 days at $36 a day. Enough to bring my first daughter into the world. (Yes, we marry early in Arkansas)
Who were your teachers?
Mr. Phil Vance was my junior and high school band teacher. I won state honors every year. All Blue metals. First chair in the "Blue" band at All State competition every year. I gave the seniors a fit. While they studied for finals, I practiced. I didn't graduate but provided the entertainment while they did. They got the rolled up piece of paper, and I got a standing ovation. My dad got more gray hair and sweat on his forehead.
What Orchestral experience have you had?
I've been a featured performer with the Memphis Symphony twice.
I performed with the Memphis Symphony in the 60's and 70's with Frank Sinatra and Danny Thomas for building Danny's St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis.
What session (Jingles / TV) experience have you had?
Played the French Horn on "Fly the Friendly Skys of United" national spot in the 80s. McDonald's national ads in the 70s. Many at Pepper Tanner in Memphis in the 60S and 70s.
What small group / ensemble experience have you had?
I am founding partner with Andrew Love in the Memphis Horns and original member of the Stax artists, The Mar-Keys, a 7 piece instrumental band in the 60s. The Memphis Horns consisting of either he and I or three other horns played/arranged horns on at least 300 hit records including 52 #1 pops and 125 top 10s, including Otis Reddings "Dock of the Bay," which is in contention for #1 all time airplay at 7 million plays.
Other playing experiences?
Toured with Otis Redding (and all other Stax Artists), Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, The Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Cocker, Robert Cray...and now Neil Young.
I believe you have a solo recording of a commissioned piece online?
Yes, a solo album called "Sweet Medicine Music" you can purchase one on that same web site.
Any news on new projects?
Just finished arranging and performing on Neil Young's new album and will travel with him this year.
Also, finished writing my first of a 4 book series in January, "In My Wildest Dreams - A Collection of Rock & Roll Tales - Volume One." This first book chronicles my life in Memphis music in the 60s and is available on by website.
For more info go to:
http://www.wayneljackson.com/Wnew.html
Favourite four albums?
Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles live at the Filmore with King Curtis and the Memphis Horns.
Otis Blue
Any Albert King and any Johnnie Taylor album from the Stax days!
And now, Neil's new one!
Favourite two movies?
War of the Worlds/ Star Wars I
Favourite three foods?
Fried green tomatoes, Fried Okra, Corn on the cob.
Non-musical hobbies / points of interest you enjoy?
Water color painting/flying light airplanes
Do you take days off from playing? (How does it affect you?)
Yes. Sometimes I don't play for weeks. It's scary if I get called, but I usually take only a few days to get in shape.
Have you had any chop problems?…if so, how did you work through them?
I've been blessed…no problems. Once I had the Bell's Palsy virus, and I got some little balloons (on the advice of a friend) and started blowing them up. My muscles came back!
Three Trumpet tips you wish to share with the readers.
1. Work very hard but don't take yourself too seriously, and NEVER change mouthpieces.
2. Learn to play golf well enough to give the boss a run but not beat him.
3. Review first two and relax…and always floss!
Other stuff ?.....
In order to play music for a living there ARE no rules. No professor can tell you how to hustle, and no teacher can grant you the kind of luck you'll need to survive in a VERY competitive business. Only God can, so learn to pray in earnest.
End of interview sentiment.
I've been so lucky an blessed by God it's hard to comprehend. I praise him for the talent and tenacity it has taken to still be here doing what HE gave me to do every day! I'm 63 years of age.
Thank you very much indeed for sharing your thoughts with the
' Trumpet Web Community '23rd June 2005.
