JACKSON, MILT[ON] (1 JAN 1923–9 OCT 1999)

American jazz vibraphonist, born in Detroit. He played various instruments and sang in gospel groups, then played vibraphone with Detroit bands in the 1940s. In New York, teaming with Dizzy Gillespie, he helped to shape the cool jazz movement. As a sideman, Jackson recorded “Anthropology” with Gillespie (Victor 40-0132; 1946), and “Misterioso” with Thelonious Monk (Banner #60; 1948), among others. As members of the Gillespie band, Jackson, pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Kenny Clarke began performing as a quartet during breaks in the larger band’s concerts; in 1952, the group became the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ), with Clarke replaced in 1955 by Connie Kay. Jackson became the group’s leader,and it achieved great success through the 1950s and 1960s. In 1974, the group split up, and Jackson signed with Norman Granz’s Pablo label, recording in various settings. In 1981 the MJQ reformed to perform for regular “reunion” tours and recordings, and Jackson also continued to work on his own until his death. Jackson died of liver cancer in New York.