[citation needed] Jackson first played with unknown bands, The Vondykes and the Invaders, then he found himself with The Hedgehoppers Anonymous in December 1965, replacing their bassist Ray Honeyball.

The Nice were formed by Emerson and Jackson, with guitarist-trumpeter David O'List and Ian Hague on drums, soon to be replaced by Brian Davison.

Jackson went on to form the band Refugee, with drummer Brian Davison from The Nice and Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz.

After Refugee broke up Jackson formed Stripjack which toured for a short while at minor venues including in January 1977 the Rochester Castle in Stoke Newington, London.

Lee Jackson has played bass in a New Orleans-style rock 'n' roll and jazz band, called the Ginger Pig, based in Northampton, for more than twenty years since returning to the UK.