Category:Jackson, Nelson

• Detailed biography: None given

A famous British society entertainer at the piano. Born in Liverpool in 1892. He started out in small things, and then came to London a complete stranger to become top of the bill. His repertoire ranged from the relentless frustration of DIY (When Father Laid the Carpet on the Stairs), to topical satirical songs (The Cinema Kiss & It's Good to be Alive), and also to the life of middle-class suburbia (Our Labour-Saving Home & Our Refined Suburb). Whilst music hall songs were mostly socially conservative, the satirical songs of Jackson mocked people all across the political spectrum. He mocked the once-powerful right-wing reactionaries in The Kill-Joys, and mocked the fanatical progress in In 1950. He had a long prolific career, composing and singing from the late Victorian era well through the 1930s. He had success away from the piano too, also being a famous storyteller with enjoyable yarns. Some of these are included in Lays from Lancashire (1930) which portrays a Lancashire man in his life, dealing with football, the pub and music. His life wasn't perfect however. His youngest daughter, Sybil Elizabeth Nelson, died during infancy in 1905 aged just one. He totally had three children, Lawrence Nelson Jackson (1898-1984), who became a successful doctor, and Elizabeth Nelson Jackson, who is labelled a spinster on Jackson's will. His beloved wife Margaret Agnes Eleanor died in 1928 aged 53. He still performed until around 1932 when he retired from the stage. This may have been due to the death of his wife and his age, however no evidence has arisen. There is nothing more from Jackson after 1932, no newspaper programs nor published songs. Jackson died at the age of 80 in 4 The Green, Crediton in 1951. Jackson's life during the height of his career was one of wealth. In the 1911 Census, it is listed that the Jackson household was accompanied by a Servant. Comparing this to his working-class childhood in Liverpool makes for interesting reading. When he died, his will states that his estate was worth "£613, 19s 10d." This is worth nearly £21,000 (£20,678) today. Considering that he spent nearly twenty years in retirement, it reaffirms Jackson's wealth. His wealth also may have helped Lawrence to train and become a doctor as well. This is backed up by Lawrence going to Oxford for his education. The songs of Jackson may be forgotten today, being notably absent from music hall compilations, however his repertoire shows an interesting side to the stage, one not afraid to mock everyone and anyone. Whilst some are obviously dated, many of his songs are still relevant today. From the political left to the right, the Cockney to the Toff, and age-old occurrences to new-fangled things like the Cinema, Jackson always had something to say about the current events of his day. Actually, sing is the correct term; with his trusted piano at hand.