- Jazz vibraphonist. Jackson, Ray Brown, John Lewis, and drummer Kenny Clarke, were the original members of the 'Modern Jazz Quartet'.
- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.
- Inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1996.
- He created a new sound in the 1940's by slowing down the motor on his Deagan Vibraharp's oscillator to a third of the speed of Lionel Hampton's. Jackson was regarded as one of the great improvisers in jazz.
- Acquired his sobriquet of 'Bags' from the deep furrows under his eyes, the result of a drinking binge after his release from the Army.
- Played in the orchestras of Dizzy Gillespie, and Woody Herman. Present at Thelonious Monk's famous 1951 Blue Note recording sessions.
- Taught himself guitar at the age of seven, started piano lessons at eleven and in high school played five instruments: drums, tympani, violin, guitar and xylophone. Began professionally as a singer in a Detroit gospel quartet (the Evangelist Singers).
- Studied music at Michigan State University.
- Has one daughter Chyrise.
- Friends with Kenny Burrell.
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