Graham Jackson, Sr. was born in 1903. He was the grandson of enslaved persons. When his mother attempted suicide, she was committed to a mental institution. His father disappeared from his life and Graham was raised by an Aunt.
Growing up, it became obvious that Graham had a natural musical talent. In high school, he would perform for his classmates. Other than a brief time when a wealthy patron funded his musical education, he was self-trained. He was an accomplished musician on the accordion, piano, and organ.
Graham moved to Atlanta in 1924, where he played the organ at Bailey’s “81” Theatre. He became popular with the white audiences that came to the theater. He was a favorite of President Franklin Roosevelt and became a personal friend of the President and First Lady. He was often asked to perform at official events in the nation’s capital.
With the outbreak of World War II, Graham volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy. He became one of the Navy’s most successful recruiters and war bond fundraisers.
He was with the President on April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, GA. The President died that day from a heart attack. As the President’s body was placed on a train for his journey home, the military present were lined up in formation. Graham stepped out of formation with his accordion and began playing Goin’ Home. A photographer captured a photograph of Graham (shown below). The photo became a symbol of how deeply one person can feel for another no matter the differences of their skin color.
Graham became known as The Ambassador of Goodwill. The State of Georgia, where he had experienced the indignities of Jim Crow laws, named him the State’s Official Musician. He also had guest appearances on major TV shows.
Graham Jackson is little-known today, and that’s a shame. What does it say about a society that raises malcontents and phonies to celebrity status, but little reminders of those who contributed to our society through their genuine kindness?
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“I was backstage before time to go on, and I heard the organ, and it was just beautiful.”–Count Basie (upon hearing Graham Jackson playing)