The music world is mourning the loss of Clifton "Jackie" Jackson, a legendary Jamaican musician whose work helped shape some of reggae's most recognizable songs. Jackson died Sept. 23 at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica, following an extended hospitalization. He was 79.
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His daughter, Jheanell Jackson, told the Jamaica Observer that her father had been admitted to the hospital in July. He was eventually discharged but returned shortly afterward when his condition worsened.
A specific cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Although Jackson spent much of his career performing behind other artists, his contributions became an essential part of reggae music's international success.
"We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clifton 'Jackie' Jackson," Trojan Records wrote on Facebook. "A true pioneer of Jamaican music, Jackson's distinctive bass playing helped shape the sound of ska, rocksteady and reggae. His unmistakable playing can be heard on recordings by Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Paul Simon and many of Jamaica's most celebrated musical acts. His contribution to Jamaican music was immense, and his bass lines remain an enduring part of its rich musical legacy.
Musician Dies
He was best known for his decades-long association with Toots and the Maytals, performing with the group for more than 50 years.
However, his career extended far beyond one band. Jackson contributed to recordings by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, Alton Ellis, The Melodians and numerous other influential Jamaican musicians.
"Reggae has lost one of its founding hands," Jamaican Beat wrote on Facebook. "Clifton 'Jackie' Jackson, one of the most important session bassists in Jamaican music history, died on September 23, 2026.
"The bass may often stay out outside of the spotlight, but Jackie helped build the rhythmic foundation that carried Jamaican music from ska into rocksteady, and, eventually reggae," the site added.
"Jackie Jackson never needed to stand at the front of the stage. His work lived lower down — between the kick drum and the heartbeat of the song — holding the rhythm together, moving the world and creating bass lines that will outlive generations."
