Jackson's musical career began in childhood. At the age of 14 he was invited to play banjo for Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys, one of the most respected bluegrass bands at that time. After five years with Jim and Jesse, Jackson tested the musical waters elsewhere before landing a job with Glen Campbell. Jackson remained in Campbell's band for 12 years.[3]
Jackson continued to work in Nashville as a songwriter and musician. Between 1984 and 1985, he charted three singles on the Billboard country music charts, including the No. 44 hit "She's Gone, Gone, Gone".[1] Jackson was also named Bluegrass music's MVP in 2006. He also earned the International Bluegrass Music Association's Song of the Year award in 1990 for "Little Mountain Church House", which was recorded by Ricky Skaggs and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Jackson has written songs performed by Glen Campbell ("Letter To Home"), Garth Brooks ("Against the Grain", "Fit for a King"), Alecia Nugent ("Breaking New Ground"), Terri Clark ("Hold Your Horses"), and Rhonda Vincent ("I'm Not Over You"), among others.
Jackson's "Lonesome Dove" was recorded by co-writer Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, and Tim Hensley, in addition to his own rendition on the album with John Starling, "Spring Training", which featured Emmylou Harris and her Nash Ramblers band. The CD was released in 1991. Jackson received a Grammy award that year for "Spring Training". In 2003, he was awarded another Grammy for producing the album Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers.
Carl performed a duet of "Gentle On My Mind" with Ashley Campbell, daughter of Glen Campbell and Kimberly Woolen June 26, 2017.[9] The two collaborated on Glen Campbell's last album, Adios.[10]
Discography
Albums
Gospel Special with Page Family
Bluegrass Festival (1971, Prize)
Carl Jackson:Banjo Player (1973,Capitol)
Old Friends (1978,Capitol)
Banjo Man:A Tribute To Earl Scruggs (1981,Sugarhill)