March 3, 1948 – December 16, 1990
Jackie was taught piano by his grandmother who was a music teacher. At age four he was a consistent student of piano, and played classical music at an early age. After leaving school, Jackie attended Kingston College where he would organize jam sessions playing with Tyrone Downie and Augustus Pablo, amongst others.
He first began palying professionally at the age of thirteen with various bands such as The Rivals and The Sheiks, and it was around that time that he started hanging out at Federal Studios. He playing with the cream of Jamaica’s musicians who from June 1964 would become known as the Skatalites. Jackie Mittoo died of cancer in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of work the importance of which is yet to be fully appreciated.
Hits include:
- “Darker Shade of Black”
- “Bobby Babylon”
- “I’m Still in Love With You”
- “Feel Like Jumping”
- “Treasure IsIe”