Milt Jackson is especially remembered for his cool swinging solos as a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet and his penchant for collaborating with hard bop and post-bop players.
10 Facts About Milt Jackson
2.
Milt Jackson was particularly fond of the twelve-bar blues at slow tempos.
3.
Milt Jackson started on guitar when he was seven, and then on piano at 11.
4.
Milt Jackson took up the vibraphone at 16 after hearing Lionel Hampton play the instrument in Benny Goodman's band.
5.
Milt Jackson quickly acquired experience working with the most important figures in jazz of the era, including Woody Herman, Howard McGhee, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker.
6.
The group reformed in 1981 and continued until 1993, after which Milt Jackson toured alone, performing in various small combos, although agreeing to periodic MJQ reunions.
7.
In 1989, Milt Jackson was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berklee College of Music.
8.
Milt Jackson was featured on the NPR radio program Jazz Profiles.
9.
Milt Jackson died of liver cancer in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 76.
10.
Milt Jackson was married to Sandra Whittington from 1959 until his death; the couple had a daughter.