In early October of 2014, accomplished Soul-Blues singer and Johnny Otis alum, Jackie Payne suffered a debilitating stroke. Initially his doctors’ prognosis was grim, however today with the love of family and friends, Jackie is making nothing shy of a miraculous recovery. As reality goes however, miracles can cost a lot, and Jackie needs a lot of assistance with his medical expenses. During the spring of 2014, Jackie finished recording an album’s worth of material, but due to this major setback he’s been unable to make the money in order to manufacture and release a CD. It’s his dream to put out this CD. So friends got together and organized a benefit to help with his medical expenses, and help raise money to make his dream of releasing the CD, come true. A limited number of Jackie’s not-yet-released CD I SAW THE BLUES, will be for sale at the benefit. All proceeds from the benefit and CD sales will go directly to Jackie Payne. C’mon out and show your support for Jackie... He will be there...dripping with gratitude!
This night will feature some amazing special guests such as: Rick Estrin, Anthony Paule, Christoffer "Kid" Andersen, Terrie Odabi, Mz. Dee, Tia Carroll, Alabama Mike, Lady Bianca, Nancy Wright, Endre Tarcz, Derrick D'Mar Martin, Tony Lufrano, Paul Olguin, Ed Early, Mark Hummel & more to be announced!
There will also be a signed guitar raffled off, all those who attend this event will be eligable for this raffle!
Jackie Payne's singing career began over forty years ago with his father's gospel choir in Athens , Georgia . Payne spent his formative years hanging out with his harmonica playing uncle, Georgia bluesman, Neal Pattman . "I first heard Sonny Boy Williamson and Little Walter from my uncle. He would take me around when I was about four or five and I would sit on his shoulder. He only had one arm and I would sit and hold on and he would blow his harp and let me sing." Payne began singing professionally with the Allen Swing Band out of Atlanta at age thirteen and later joined the R&B group, The Serenaders .
“…a performer of classy presence and subtle physical movement [who’s] got the raspy-voiced Wilson Pickett – Otis Redding thing nailed flat”.
The Los Angeles Times
“…all hype aside, Jackie Payne is one of the finest blues singers and R & B interpreters in the country.”
Joseph Jordan, Southland Blues
“… What can you say about Jackie Payne that hasn’t been said before? He has performed or recorded with just about everyone, but is probably most well known for his work with Johnny Otis. I have yet to hear a blues/r&b singer that puts more emotional intensity or feeling into his work than this man.
…T-Bone Walker’s Mean Old World with Jackie’s vocals sounding like he is expressing a personal issue at times, which only goes to prove what a totally convincing singer this cat is.”
Steve Hinrichsen, Blues Bytes, Online Blues Review