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a brief history
Billy
Jackson
made
his
mark
as
having
an
ear
when
he
brought
to
the
attention
of
Harold
Lipsius,
then
head
of
Universal
distribution,
BYE
BYE
LOVE,
by "The Everly Brothers," from an
obscure country record label "Broadway & Poinciana"
by Ahmad Jamal from a Chicago based jazz label. Billy
proceeded to distinguish himself as an artist/producer with
"The Revels" with MIDNIGHT STROLL, FALSE ALARM and
WHEN YOU COME BACK TO ME. Mentor, Harry Chipetz, brought
him to the attention of Bernie Lowe at Cameo Parkway Records.
There, as talent coordinator and house producer, he signed
"The Tymes" and produced the classic doo-wop hit,
SO MUCH IN LOVE, a song he co-wrote and collaborated on with
lead vocalist, George Williams, and house arranger Roy Stragis.
Other Jackson product included a stint at Columbia Records
under then industry impresario Clive Davis. There, along
with "The Tymes," he produced IF YOU LET ME MAKE
LOVE TO YOU by "Ronni Dyson" and such illuminaries
as "Miles Davis," "Aretha Franklin," "Peaches
& Herb," "Mongo Santa Maria," "Al
Cooper," "Mashmakan," "Patti Austin,"
and others. Jackson likes to say he came into the business
when, as a source, records could change the face of society.
Each artist and release was an exciting challenge. Each
record side was an extended release for success. Other
Jackson independent production successes were YOU LITTLE TRUST
MAKER, BABY IT'S COOL and MISS GRACE. Another writing
success was DON'T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY by "The Searchers,"
a song he co-wrote with arranger/writer/producer Jimmy "The
Wiz" Wisner and produced a version with "The Orlons"
also.
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