Raymond Earl Jackson Sr

“The Missing Link”

Raymond Earl Jackson Sr., revered throughout the music industry as “The Missing Link,” was an extraordinary songwriter, a masterful guitarist, and a visionary producer. As the unsung engine behind the scenes at Memphis’s legendary Stax and Volt Records, Jackson was a pivotal force responsible for architecting the soulful, gritty landscape of Southern music. Known affectionately as “Ray” among his peers, his musical genius propelled the labels to their highest creative peaks, leaving an indelible stamp on global music history.

Jackson’s signature guitar lines and profound composition style defined an era of cultural revolution. He famously laid down the unforgettable lead guitar tracks on The Staple Singers’ monumental anthems “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There,” injected classic Memphis grit into Carla Thomas’s “I May Not Be All You Want,” and co-wrote Johnnie Taylor’s explosive chart-toppers “Who’s Making Love” and “Take Care Of Your Homework.” His definitive songwriting masterpiece, Luther Ingram’s immortal “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right),” solidified his status as an international songwriting giant whose work dominated the Billboard R&B charts and resonated deeply with music enthusiasts worldwide.

“Stax’s Raymond Earl Jackson Sr”

At the absolute height of his creative powers, Jackson concluded a historic, two-week tracking session with Stax Executive Vice President Al Bell, meticulously crafting what would become the pinnacle sound for the Staple Singers. He engineered and shaped the foundational tracks for “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me),” “Touch a Hand Make a Friend,” and “Be What You Are.” Following his sudden and untimely passing, Stax and Volt Records continued to release a treasure trove of R&B albums and singles from his extensive Muscle Shoals sessions—a testament to his prolific output and indispensable role in the labels’ global empire.

Raymond Earl Jackson Sr.’s contributions were cherished not only in the United States but also globally, resonating deeply with music enthusiasts worldwide. His influence was a cornerstone of the labels’ success, evident in the timeless songs that endure across generations.

“Some Quotes about our father (Raymond Jackson)”

Tributes from the Pillars of Stax Records

The impact of Raymond Jackson’s loss reverberated heavily through the bedrock of the music industry, drawing profound tributes from the architects of the Memphis Sound:

  • Jim Stewart, President of Stax/Volt Records: “Raymond left an everlasting impact on everyone he encountered. His unwavering zest for life was matched only by his immense, undeniable talent.”
  • Al Bell, Executive Vice President of Stax/Volt Records: Extolling the genius of Jackson’s final work, Bell stated, “The production on ‘If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)’ represents the absolute completeness and resonance of Raymond Earl Jackson Sr.’s vision. He imparted his signature sound to the Staple Singers’ records; he was the vital influence and the missing piece necessary for their musical progression. Raymond possessed a sound capable of making massive waves across the global marketplace.”

“The road that God set before Us”

The Legacy: “Write for the People!”

Though his physical journey was cut tragically short, Raymond Jackson Sr.’s divine vision lives on. Amidst the sorrow of his departure, his sons, Corneslius (CorNes) and Raymond Jr., sought solace and inspiration within his enduring footprint. Over time, God illuminated a shared path for the brothers, revealing their true destiny and inheritance.

Guided by their father’s treasured lifelong motto—“Write for the people!”—and anchored by his unbreakable “Golden Rule” of crafting music that deeply connects with and serves the human spirit, the brothers founded W3MUSICGROUPalongside lifelong friend Jimi Hill. Today, the legacy has come full circle. What goes around comes around, and through his sons, the timeless, blood-bought spirit of Raymond Earl Jackson Sr. continues to rise, speak truth to power, and heal a divided nation.

“The road that God set before Us”

We didn’t get the chance to walk in our Destiny. Because of the death of our father Raymond Jackson Sr. All of our life consisted of doing everything besides walking in our Destiny.

The Vision from Above was revealed finally to both of us not at the same time, but at last we found ourselves vigorously walking in the path that God set before us. Our Destiny and Heritage, finally the journey had begun writing, arranging and composing our own (W3) original material. The one thing that stuck with us was our Dad’s Golden Rule! “Which was writing for the people!”

Raymond Earl Jackson Sr

“Stax’s Raymond Earl Jackson Sr”

Our father Raymond Earl Jackson Sr, Songwriter, Guitarist and Producer , grew up in Memphis Tenn. He was one of the unsung heroes behind Stax Records, the Memphis label responsible for much of the finest southern soul music! Prior to his death Raymond was at the peak of success with his musical career.

“He was one of the last great song craftsmen, “he knew the difference between writing a song and crafting a song, and he was a master at it; ‘where every word had so much weight.
As a producer, song writer and master guitarist, “Raymond E Jackson Sr,” put his fingerprint on various soulful recordings!!!

Luther Ingram “If Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want to Be Right,” and Johnny Taylor’s “Who’s Making Love,” were just two of our father slash hits. Raymond E Jackson.’ Stax continued to release various RnB singles from his prior and massive Muscle Shoals sessions, after his death, Hits like, The Staple Singers, “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me),” “Touch a Hand, Make a Friend, and “Be What You Are,” R&B chart toppers. Those days must have been amazing, with all the wonderful music written, recorded and produced, Stax had so many great songwriters, musicians, arrangers and producers who played their part in the success various artists and bands enjoyed. Guys like our dad Raymond Jackson played a hugely important part in Stax music’s success!! The music is still cherished by people all over the world, especially here in United States of America.

“Some Quotes about our father (Raymond Jackson)”

Jim Stewart, then president of Stax Records, (Memphis) stated; “Today is marked with sadness as once again we taste the bitter fruit of tragedy in our family with the death of Raymond Jackson.” ‘Our sorrow runs deep because Ray has touched each of us in a way we can never forget! “One thing I especially remembered about him is that I have never seen him turned off on life.”

Vice Pesident Al Bell state; that his song “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)” was the pinnacle achievement and would continue to a awesome strings of Staple Singers Records. In ‘Come Go with Me.’ stresses Bell, you hear the absolute completeness of what Raymond Jackson had pull together production-wise. He had finally given the Staple Singers records his sound! ‘He was the key influence and the piece needed to carry forth!’ “We looked forward to the next sessions because I knew Raymond had a sound that could cut in all directions in the marketplace.”