Inducted in 2012
Chuck Jackson is the Founder and Artistic Director of the annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival which has become a major event on the North American festival circuit.
He has been the singer in Downchild for 22 years after a long career with a number of top Canadian bands. An award-winning singer, who rates Big Joe Turner, Otis Redding and Junior Wells as major influences, Jackson’s is also an excellent songwriter evidenced by the inclusion of his songs on many of the group’s recordings. He’s also a fine harmonica player and a special highlight of the band’s performances is a harp duet with Mr. Downchild, Donny Walsh.
Chuck has been nominated for 3 Junos with Downchild and as a solo performer Chuck has been nominated 7 times and won the Maple Blues Award, Male Vocalist of the Year twice in 1999 and 2007. He was also honoured in 2002 with the Toronto Blues Society’s prestigious Blues with a Feeling Award for his achievements during a distinguished career. In May and October of 2011, Chuck hosted the Mississippi Golf and Blues Weeks and continues performing for his fans and friends all over the world. Now in his 21st year with Downchild and 40th year in the Canadian Music Industry, Chuck says “Being able to play the music I love and entertain the wonderful people across Canada and around the world is certainly a dream come true and one I will continue to follow”.