"Bags," African-American jazz vibra-phonist; b. Detroit, Jan. 1, 1923. Jackson began playing the vibes as a teenager and was already performing locally with saxophonist LUCKY THOMPSON when he was 16. He continued to work Detroit clubs through his teen years, while also attending Michigan State University.

In 1945, DIZZY GILLESPIE heard him while passing through Detoit, and invited him to join his band. After touring the West Coast with Gillespie, Jackson settled in N.Y., where he played with many leading young musicians, including pianist THELONIOUS MONK. In 1949-50 he worked with WOODY HERMAN'S big band and then rejoined Gillespie, making his recording debut as a solo artist in 1951.

Also in Gillespie's band in this period were pianist JOHN LEWIS, bassist RAY BROWN, and drummer KENNY CLARKE. When the band took a break, the four members would perform special numbers. This grew into what was originally called the MILT JACKSON QUARTET and then, in 1954, became the MODERN JAZZ QUARTET. Lewis was an artful composer and arranger, and along with Jackson shaped the group's sound, a combination of COOL JAZZ and classical-like compositions and arrangements. The group—now with bassist Percy Heath and drummer Connie Kay—became one of the most successful in jazz and also one of the longest-running of all jazz groups, staying together until 1974.

Jackson meanwhile continued to record on his own and do session work with other musicians. He made some fusion-type recordings in the '70s after the MJQ disbanded, with little success, but then returned to his own style in the '80s. At this time, there were several MJQ reunions, but Jackson continued to record and perform on his own. He continues to be active into the '90s.