Graham Washington Jackson Sr. (February 22, 1903 – January 15, 1983)[1] was an American theatre organist, pianist, accordionist, and choral conductor.
He exhibited an early ability to master multiple instruments and was giving piano and organ concerts at high school age.
Jackson became a personal friend of Eleanor and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and had played command performances in Washington numerous times.
[6] Ed Clark, a Life magazine photographer, captured a photo of a tearful Jackson, accordion in hand, playing "Goin' Home" as Roosevelt's funeral train left Warm Springs.
Eventually he received six honorary citations for his war bond fundraising, which helped yield more than $3,000,000 in sales, and recruiting for the Navy.
Jackson's musical career—especially as a theatre organist—is linked to a rather small and select company of other African American musicians who practiced that specialized art such as Bob Wyatt, Fats Waller, and Jimmy Paulin.
[2] The Atlanta Public Library has a large collection of papers, photos, recording, sheet music, and instruments from Jackson's estate.