Elvis’ Grammy-Winning Musician Dead At 74

Elvis Australia

A true legend and award-winning musician with more than 83 million albums sold bearing his mark of incredible talent has passed away. 

On Tuesday night, (June 21st), one of the most talented trumpet players of all time, Wayne Jackson, passed away at a Memphis, TN hospital. 

Jackson was just 74-years old. He had been a huge part of many studio recording sessions with a seemingly endless number of star performers alongside his bandmate, Andrew Love. Together the two played as The Memphis Horns. 

Inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville in 2008, these two were known for their incredible sessions with artists like Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Otis Redding, and many more. 

Jackson also toured alongside The Doobie Brothers, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Buffet, and others. 

One of their biggest sessions involved the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. During the early 70s, the Horns played on many of Elvis’ songs while he was recording at their label, Stax Studios. In fact, the pair played on nearly every song recorded there that had a horn section. 

In 2012, Jackson’s musical partner, Andrew Love, passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Amy Jackson, Wayne passed away from congestive heart failure. His death came after years of failing health, but he never let his health get in the way of what he wanted to do and kept a very active schedule giving tours of the Stax Museum. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. It is a great loss that the whole music community has felt. 

Watch the video below where Jackson and Love talk about working with the famous Otis Redding.