Johnny Jackson joined the Jackson 5 as their drummer in the late 1960s, when they were still in Gary. In his early days with the group, they called themselves "The Jackson Five and Johnny," and he was nearly always featured in photos as a bona fide member of the group. He signed with Motown at the same time the Jackson 5 did, and moved with them from Indiana to California. But things changed once they were in L.A. Although Johnny (and organist Ronnie Rancifer) lived with the Jackson family, was referred to as their "cousin," and toured with the Jackson 5, it was almost as if he no longer existed. He was just there, in the background, playing drums.So I was thrilled when I came across this in-store promo display for Ludwig drums featuring Johnny Jackson as one of three drummers (along with Roger Pope and John Bonham) who used the brand.
Drummer's revolution, indeed!
OH, what a find! I bet Detective J5C is gonna uncover EVERY SINGLE bit of memorabilia before we're thru, an' I get to be here to share in it!
ReplyDeleteJohnny and Ronnie have been given little over the years for what they've done. I'm sad they didn't write books. Not salacious gossip stuff, but the nuts and bolts behind the touring, the learning new songs, the TV appearances, the hopes and dreams they must've had for continued success...
ReplyDeleteIt's too late for Johnny, but there's still hope for Ronnie to write a book.
ReplyDeletewow! that's cool. what a find. RIP Johnny.
ReplyDeleteHey, I remember that ad and I might have that picture in color somewhere. BTW, whatever happened to those red Ludwigs and logo heads?
ReplyDeleteBoy, I wonder the same thing, ChiDrummer. You sometimes see J5 tour equipment come up on eBay, but I've never seen that. It would be a great thing to have at the Motown Museum.
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