Bio

RICHARD O. JACKSON (Biography) Indianapolis, Indiana native, Richard O. Jackson captivates audiences with his dynamic baritone vocals. Anderson T. Dailey, choir director and noted songwriter, recognized Richard’s musical gifts and mentored him while Richard attended Crispus Attucks High School. While at Attucks, Richard played the lead in various musical theatre productions before matriculating to Indiana University (Bloomington) to study voice. Richard’s vocal gift and dramatic talents were honed through participation in the IU Singing Hoosiers, numerous dramatic roles under the direction of Dr. Winona Fletcher, and as a founding member of the IU Soul Revue. All afforded Jackson the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the continental United States as well as abroad. After graduating from Indiana University, Richard was intent on making music his career. He relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii and became a member of the R&B group Paramour (by way of love). Becoming the first R&B group to record in Hawaii, Paramour toured throughout Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Canada, and South Korea and the breadth of the Hawaiian Islands. Jackson was privileged to share the stage with such notable artists as: Dionne Warwick, Chic, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie and the Commodores, Parliament Funkadelic, and the late Billy Preston and Marvin Gaye. Upon Jackson’s return to Indianapolis, he became a teacher and also had the life-changing experience of meeting his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This compelled him to his new calling-- to follow Christ, to use his gifts to glorify God and to help point others toward the Savior. Richard’s career evolved into a music ministry that includes song writing, producing, as well as ministering in song. For several years he served as a gospel announcer on WPZZ-Joy 96 FM in Indianapolis. Additionally, he portrayed the disciple, James, in the theatrical production, “Upon This Rock” and has ministered as guest M.C. at countless gospel concerts and programs. Jackson serves as the Music Coordinator and as an Elder in his church, and is a highly regarded educator in the Indianapolis Public School System. Richard has recently released his first solo project entitled “He Who’s Invisible” (backed by the group Zion’s Voice) on his independent label, Damascus Road Recording.