Next person biography:
Born in Staffordshire, David Jackson, later known as Joe Jackson, grew up in Portsmouth and attended the City of Portsmouth Boys School. He initially learned to play the violin but switched to piano and persuaded his father to install one in their council house. Jackson played in bars from the age of 16 and won a scholarship to study musical composition at London's Royal Academy of Music.
He formed his first band, Edward Bear, in Gosport, which later changed names to Edwin Bear and Arms and Legs before disbanding in 1976. Jackson then spent time in the cabaret circuit to make money for his demos. He adopted the nickname "Joe" based on his resemblance to the puppet character Joe 90.
In 1978, a record producer heard his tape and signed him to A&M Records. Jackson released his debut album Look Sharp! in 1979, followed by I'm the Man and Beat Crazy in 1980. He also collaborated with Lincoln Thompson in reggae crossover.
After the break-up of his band, Jackson took a break and recorded an album of old-style swing and blues tunes, Jumpin' Jive. He then released the album Night and Day in 1982, which paid tribute to the wit and style of Cole Porter. The album reached the top 10 in both the US and UK and included chart hits "Steppin' Out" and "Breaking Us In Two".
Jackson lived in New York for the next 20 years, incorporating the city's sound into his music. He released the album Body and Soul in 1984, which was heavily influenced by pop and jazz standards and salsa.
