Jess Jackson

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This article is about the Los Angeles Producer and songwriter. For the billionaire and creator of the Kendall-Jackson wine empire, see Jess Jackson.
Jess Jackson
Jess Jackson modeling photo shoot in California
Jess Jackson modeling photo shoot in California
Background information
Birth name Jess Reed Jackson
Also known as Jess Jackson
Born July 15, 1980
Origin British
Genre(s) West Coast hip hop
Occupation(s) Record Producer, Model, and record executive
Years active 1994 — present
Associated
acts
Amber Melody
Website www.JessJackson.com
www.myspace.com/JessJackson1

Jess Jackson (born July 15, 1980 in West London, England) is a record producer and songwriter.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Jackson was born "Jess Reed" in London, England, to parents David Reed and Lis Parish. He and his two siblings, Amber Melody Reed and Joe Jackson, grew up in Richmond, Surrey, England.

At a very young age Jess was exposed to music, he grew up listening to his father and friend practising on their guitar's throughout the nights. Jackson's father's friend happens to be Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page who also co-owned a book store with Jackson's father back in the 1960s.

At ADT College, Jackson was involved in sports, music, computers and drama. He attended the School of Radio Broadcasting and West Thames College where he gained degrees in Radio Broadcasting, Music Technology and Recording Engineering.

[edit] Career

Before he became successful in Music Production, Jackson supported himself as a night club DJ, record engineer, a graphic designer, and actor.

Jess acquired his step father's last name "Jackson" and started producing music in 1994 in his family home bedroom with neighbour Simon Franks (Audio Bullys).

Jackson on stage with Williams
Enlarge
Jackson on stage with Williams

In 1997 at the age of 17 Jackson released his third Garage (dance music) record "Hobson's Choice". UK Garage Chart #1 (4 weeks). The intro of the record daringly consisted of just sub bass and took the radio and club scene by storm. The record was also the inspiration to the beginning of a new music scene "UK Garage".

In 1999 Jackson took to the studio with the legendary Andrew Roachford and together with the co-production of "Simon Francs" released the single "24-7-365" signed to Sony Music.

In 2001 Jackson was the resident scratch DJ for the Patrick Alan band and performed on stage every Monday night at London's exclusive celebrity night club "10 Room". Jackson performed alongside Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Sean Paul, Nas, Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Angie Stone, Lionel Richie, Estelle, Will Smith, Leonardo Di Caprio, Blu Cantrell, Wyclef Jean, Damon Dash, Westlife, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe of 'Blue' plus many more top class entertainers.

In 2001 at the age of 21 Jackson was signed by London based record label “Pure Silk”. Jackson said it was here that he met up with an old school classmate from ADT College “AC Burrell AKA Blacksmoke” who out of pure coincidence was also signed to Pure Silk Records at the same time. But according to Jackson “Pure Silk Records” was under poor management and went bust in 2003.

Jackson on NEVE in Townshends Studio
Enlarge
Jackson on NEVE in Townshends Studio

2003 was the start of Jacksons song writing career when Pete Townshend lead guitarist of The Who signed Jackson to his publishing company Eel Pie as songwriter and record producer.

In 2004 Jackson is known to have joined forces with The "Firin Squad" kiss 100 FM as producer and remixer under the name "Firin Squad productions". He worked on remixes for 50cent and "Joe", Kevin Lyttle, Nina Jayne.

Also in 2005 Jackson kept his modeling career alive by starring in a Sony PlayStation commercial shot by Director Joseph Kahn.

In 2005 Jackson worked with Fredro Starr in California and released underground mixtape material which appeared on allhiphop.com and found its way to radio.

2006 Jackson lives in Los Angeles and produces music for hip hop music, pop music and R'n'B record labels.

[edit] Personal life

Jackson was involved in a long-term relationship with model/dancer Leah Green. They gave birth to their son, Dylan Jackson (born 26 June, 2003) but the couple split in 2004.

In 2006 Jackson moved to California and is married to celebrity makeup artist Mandie Jackson.

[edit] Religion

Nichiren Dishonin
Nichiren Dishonin

In interviews Jackson has been more than open about his religious beliefs. Stating that he follows Nichiren’s philosophy, 13th century Japanese Buddhism. Jackson went on to talk about how he feels that his Buddhist practice is the vehicle that took him to where he is now in his professional career. Jackson explained how his co-producer Kester Lyddon (Kester 1Time) introduced him to the practice around the time of his separation with his son’s mother (Leah Green), and how the practice led him through hard times without the pain he would otherwise be suffering from.

He reads, quote “Every individual has the potential to become enlightened in his or her present lifetime. Buddhist practice is a vehicle of individual empowerment. Each person has within the power to overcome life's inevitable challenges, to live a life of value and become a positive influence in one's community, society and the world.”


[edit] See also

  • Amber Melody

[edit] External links