lbert “Jackie” Hairston of Laurel, Maryland passed away peacefully on April 23, 2022, at the age of 83. He was born May 23, 1938 in Blue ield, West Virginia to the late James C. Hairston and Mary Palmer Hairston. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Donald Hairston; siblings Tom Penn, James Penn, Clory Bell Hairston Pritchett and Charmaine Hairston Watkins.
Jackie was a prodigious talent at an early age, growing up in a musical family in Blue ield and Princeton, WV. His musical education began with his uncle, William Palmer, as his music teacher. By age 9, an evangelist selected Jackie to play the piano in various churches in the area. He was playing in local clubs by age 15 and continued until graduating from high school and entering the Air Force. During his Air Force years he received additional formal musical education.
Jackie’s journey from piano to organ began when he heard Jimmy Smith perform. He picked up many musical tips from Jimmy, including a way to transport his organ. He bought himself a hearse which presented no problem with theft or parking.
In 1964, an opportunity came Jackie’s way to play with the Otis Redding band. This provided him with extensive travel experience and lots of exposure to being seen and heard in big venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York City. This “on the road” experience proved to be grueling and challenging as they traveled throughout the segregated South. With the responsibility of a growing family, Jackie decided to put music aside just for weekends and get a degree in graphic arts. Upon retirement as a graphic artist, Jackie went back to music full time.
The DC Legendary Musicians honored Jackie with the DC Musician Award of 2015 at the Martin Luther King Library for his recording of “Hi Jack,” produced by Otis Redding. Jackie also played the Hammond B3 organ on Art Conley’s “Sweet Soul of Music” record. He was recognized by the Baltimore City Council and the Washington Post in an article “Live from the Howard Theater.” The Pittsburgh Courier, described Jackie as a “handsome young man with an engaging personality and modest manner.” Jackie also toured throughout Europe and performed on various cruise ships. In the 1960’s he had a weekly television show in DC he presented over the UHF station WOOK. When Jackie played, his goal was to entertain his audience and bring happiness through the universal language of music.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Barbara of Laurel; sister Marlene Robinson of Blue ield, West Virginia; children Cyrus (Mark) Hairston of Gaithersburg, Sharon Hairston of Jessup, Phaedra H. McLaughlin (Jameson) of Prince George, Virginia and Sean Hairston of Upper Marlboro; grandchildren Dominic Murphy, Brandon and Dean Hairston, Charis, Jacob and Joshua McLaughlin, and his former wife, Clarice Hairston. He is also survived by three brothers-in-law; James Durant, Sr. (Jean) of Philadelphia, PA, Ronald Durant of Uniontown, PA and Resteen Durant (Roxanne) of Cardale, PA; two sisters-in-laws, Beatrice Patterson (Charles) of Waldorf and Cecelia Hamilton (Donald) of Beaver Creek, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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Reading of the Obituary
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