About Blues Music: Melvin “Lil Son” Jackson

Born: August 16, 1915

Died: May 30, 1976

Lil Son Jackson, a contemporary of Lightnin’ Hopkins, trained to be a mechanic and also served in the U.S. Army during World War II before he became a professional blues musician. The Texas country bluesman was signed to Gold Star Records in 1946. From 1950 through 1954, Jackson recorded with Imperial Records. Following a car crash injury, Jackson gave up music. A comeback album in 1960 proved futile. Jackson died of cancer in 1976.

What is Blues Music About According to Lil Son Jackson: “If a man sing the blues it’s more or less out of himself…he’s not askin’ no one for help. And he’s really not really clingin’ to no one. But he’s expressin’ how he feel.”

Essential Blues Music Tracks from Lil Son Jackson:

Freedom Train Blues

Rockin and Rollin

Bad Whiskey, Bad Women

Homeless Blues

Well Known Covers:

I Got to Leave This Woman – BB King

Travelin’ Alone – Eric Clapton

Famous for Playing With: Lightnin’ Hopkins