RIP Jackie Washington

[Ross]

Jackie Washington died on June 27 at age 89. He was a singer/guitarist/pianist, working in blues, folk and jazz genres. JW lived his entire life in Hamilton, Ont., where he became Canada’s first black radio DJ in 1948. He played in musical theatre, and collaborated with the likes of Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell. Recently, he performed in an acoustic trio with Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley. JW always maintained a cheerful outlook, even when confined to a wheelchair by diabetes.

 

[12 string]

Wow, too sad.

He put out a couple of albums for Vanguard back in the daze. In his younger days he had a clear and lyrical voice something like Leon Bibb's, and he was downright skinny. Years later I saw him in a bit part, playing and singing, in a biopic about Hank Williams. How the years had changed him! He had quite a burly physique by then, and his voice was thicker and lower, great for the blues material he performed in the movie.

I had associated him with the Cambridge folk scene in the 60s, and his repertoire consisted not only blues, but folk and Puerto Rican material which I think came from his own heritage.

RIP indeed.

' Strang

 

[Graham]

The entire Washington family was a musical fixture here in Hamilton.

Jackie was also a very, very nice person.

 

[HoboKen]

Saw him perform at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Indiana, PA in the early 60s. I really enjoyed his up-beat music and personality.

HoboKen