They All Had A Story

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It should’ve happened… multiple hits, a massive career, world recognition and all the rest.

 

Her parents were both preachers and good friends

with Sam Cooke. JACKIE ROSS had began her

singing career on mom & dad’s St. Louis radio

show when she was but three. When Jackie’s dad

died in 1954 Sam Cooke encouraged family to move

to Chicago where he could keep and eye on them.

In 1962 Cook recorded her for his own Sar record

label.

“Hard Time” didn’t sell well; possibly because mom’s refused to let 15-year-old Jackie go out on the road to

promote the disc. The following year, Sam Cooke was dead.

Bill Doc Lee, a DJ, on a gospel radio station owned by Chess Records, took notice. Jackie’s debut disc,

“Selfish One,” for Chess was her only major charting on either the Pop top 40 or the R&B listings.

It was called a ROYALTY DISPUTE. Take it or leave it…

Chess issued “We Can Do It”—GIVE A LISTEN–and a cover of Evie Sands’ “Take Me for a Little While,” each

more powerful and soulful performances…Chess in retaliation to Jackie Ross’ outrage at receiving a

“ridiculous” amount of money did little to promote Ross’ should’ve been chart topping work.

Justice denied…

In 2017 Black Tulip released a career-spanning collection, Selfish One.