Paul Jackson, Jr. is a GRAMMY recognized composer, arranger, producer, and guitarist.
Born and raised in Los Angeles into a musical family, Jackson began nurturing his musical talent at an early age by performing with local bands, including a band composed of himself and his siblings. Jackson majored in music at the University of Southern California and became one of the most prolific guitarists of the 1970’s and 80’s, recording with artists such as Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, the Temptations, Luther Vandross, Patrice Rushen, Chicago, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald and others. He’s also recorded with some of today’s biggest stars including The Weeknd, Zendaya, and Daft Punk.
He has received multiple GRAMMY award recognitions:
Guitarist on the GRAMMY Award-winning recording of “Thriller”
– Michael Jackson; Album Of The Year
Guitarist on the GRAMMY Award-winning recording of “Get Lucky”
– Daft Punk; Record Of The Year
Guitarist on the GRAMMY Award-winning recording of “Get Lucky”
– Daft Punk; Record Of The Year
GRAMMY Nomination Recording of “I Came To Play”
– Paul Jackson, Jr; Best R&B Instrumental Performance
“The guitarist who can play anything.”
Paul appeared in a special performance at the White House for President and Mrs. Barack Obama and he has appeared on many television shows and specials, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, American Idol, The Academy Awards, The Emmys, and The Kennedy Center Honors.
Jackson has multiple GRAMMY appearances with Steve Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Ne-Yo, Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Chance The Rapper. He has scored music for many successful television shows and movies and has peformed on the soundtracks for major motion pictures such as “La La Land”, “Get On Up”, “Zootopia”, and “The Color Purple”
Paul is an accomplished recording artist in his own right, releasing eight albums as a solo artist and one as a member of contemporary super group JAZZ FUNK SOUL with keyboardist Jeff Lorber and saxophonist Everette Harp.
Several of Paul’s radio singles have appeared on Billboard contemporary jazz charts. Jackson’s last album “Stories From Stompin’ Willie” includes two singles which went number 1 on the charts; “Down The Road” and B.F.A.M. (Brothers From Another Mother).
Jackson received a degree of Honorary Doctor of Sacred Music from the Next Dimension University.
Paul is Assistant Professor Of Practice, Artist In Residence,
USC Thornton School Of Music, Popular Music Division.