Local jazz legend dies at 95

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Chicago jazz legend and Dowagiac, Mich. resident Franz Jackson died on May 6, 2008 at the age of 95

Chicago jazz legend and Dowagiac, Mich. resident Franz Jackson died on May 6, 2008 at the age of 95. (Photo provided)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 7, 2008 at 3:45 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 7, 2008 at 3:47 PM EDT

Jazz musician Franz Jackson of Dowagiac, Mich. passed away Tuesday at the age of 95.

Jackson performed all over the world and entertained troops with his USO Band. But he made his mark in Chicago.

The tenor saxophonist and singer played with Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald and other jazz greats, and recorded seven albums on his own record label.

There will be a memorial service for Franz Jackson on Saturday, May 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Apostolic Lighthouse Church in Dowagiac.

Jackson's daughter Michelle works at WSBT.

Thursday, May 8 at 7:32 PM Charles Tortorello wrote ...

Franz was a GREAT entertainer. My favorite was his arrangement of St.James Infirmary with Bob Shoffner kibitzing at the Red Arrow.God Bless Him.

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