Deon Jackson

Deon Jackson is a soul singer and songwriter from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is born in 1946 and dies in 2014. He studies clarinet and drums as a child, then forms his own vocal group while at high school and also performs as a solo act in local talent shows. At that stage he also writes original material.

Early recordings and breakthrough

Jackson is discovered while performing one of his songs at a high school concert by producer Ollie McLaughlin, who has already worked with Barbara Lewis. McLaughlin produces Jackson’s debut single, the self-written “You Said You Love Me,” in 1962. The record becomes a local hit in the Detroit area, as does its follow-up, “Come Back Home,” but neither gains national attention.

He spends the next two years touring school dances and nightclub dates across southeast Michigan. In 1965 he returns with “Love Makes the World Go Round,” issued on McLaughlin’s Carla label. The single is promoted locally by radio personality Robin Seymour on CKLW and becomes a national hit, just missing the pop Top Ten.

1960s recordings

An album of the same name appears on Atco in 1966. That spring, Jackson follows it with “Love Takes a Long Time Growing,” a minor hit. Later in 1966 he issues two more Carla singles, “I Can’t Do Without You” and “Hard-to-Get Thing Called Love.”

In late 1967 he releases “Ooh Baby,” which becomes a long-standing favourite among Northern Soul followers. Two final Carla singles, “I Can’t Go On” and “You Gotta Love,” follow in 1968, and in the next year he records “I’ll Always Love You” for Shout.

Later career

Reports of later sessions after the 1960s remain unconfirmed. In the years that follow, Jackson mainly earns a living by touring the Chicago cocktail lounge circuit. His mid-1960s work remains the best-known part of his catalogue and is especially valued by classic soul listeners.

Style and legacy

Jackson is associated with soul and jazz. His recordings, especially “Love Makes the World Go Round” and “Ooh Baby,” are linked with Northern Soul and oldies audiences.