Walter Jackson was an R&B singer with a big band pop soul sound. When first starting to perform he seemed destined to make a tremendous impact, but for some reason fell just short of this prediction. Never the less some feel the Walter left a collection of some of the finest R&B music from that era. Crippled from childhood with Polio, Walter was on crutches most of his life. Yet his disability enhanced his performances more than detract from them. It seemed to give him an ability to interpret and project his music with a much deeper emotion and never dampened his ambition or enthusiasm. During his lifetime, as with so many artist of that era, he never found a way to connect with more than a few fans outside R&B circles. Whether “not in tune with the times” or perhaps “ahead of the times” he none-the-less has left us with a collection of unbelievable music.
Walter and his parents moved to Detroit when he was still a baby and there he later attended Northwestern High School singing whenever he had the opportunity. His first recording experience came in 1959 as lead singer with a local group, the Velvetones (Ronald Head, Neil Magby, Bobby Jones and Mary Nicholson). After the group broke up, he unsuccessfully auditioned for Motown. Then in 1962 he got his first real break. Okeh Records A&R director, Carl Davis was in a local piano bar one evening and by chance heard Walter performing. Davis’ first impression of Walter’s commanding voice was that of Nat “King” Cole, Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock or Billy Eckstine. Actually Walter was influenced more by these pop singers than by gospel singers. Davis arranged for Walter to join him in Chicago at the studio along with Curtis Mayfield, Van McCoy and other top writers. His solo career began with the first release in 1962 “I Don't Want to Suffer” which only made a little splash, but got Walter noticed. In 1963 “That’s What Mama Say” was released followed by "Funny (Not Much)" and “It’s All Over” in 1964. The latter of these issues made the R&B charts and was An R&B hit, but neither had any crossover success. In 1965 “Welcome Home” reached No 15 in the R&B chart, and “Suddenly I'm All Alone” reached No 13. In 1966 when Davis left Okeh, Ted Cooper took over the production of Walter’s recordings and created enough of a pop sound to push Jackson into the spotlight. In 1966 he released "Speak Her Name" and "It's an Uphill Climb to the Bottom". These were both solid R&B hits the latter, his biggest, peaking at No. 11 on the R&B charts. But in 1967 his powerful version of “My Ship Is Comin' In” did not chart. Despite the obvious pop crossover potential of his recordings, he remained unknown to most white listeners. Then with the record company fading Walter moved to Epic, unfortunately with little success. A minor hit ended the 60's, “Any Way That You Want Me” on the Cotillion label.
In the 1973 Walter again teamed up with Davis at the Chi-Sound label later releasing covers of songs like Morris Albert’s, "Feelings" in 1976 and Peter Frampton’s, "Baby I Love Your Way" in 1977. After the release of several albums with his now signature pop and mainstream sound, but with diminishing health, Walter reluctantly retired from performing.
In 1982 Kelli-Arts label issued “Touching in the Dark” b/w “If I Had a Chance”. Walter Jackson passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1983. Three days earlier Chi-Sound released “It's Cool” and after his passing a memorial album was released. Since then numerous greatest hits and commemoration albums have been released.
His music influenced many artists that followed. Among them, Luther Vandross, Barry White, Freddie Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass. His music lives on, leaving his old fans with great enjoyment as well as winning over many new fans to the magic of his Chicago, big band soul sound.
Check out: www.billyprice.com/Jackson.php
Welcome Home
Walter Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now don't tell me that you're sorry
Darling, I'm as much to blame as anyone
It's over and done
Darling, I'm so glad to have you home
Welcome home, my baby
Welcome home, my darling
We'll give love as well as take it
And we'll let pride be something we have
In our love, not just in ourselves
Baby, it's so good to have you home
Oh, welcome home, my darling
Welcome home, my baby
Into my arms, into my heart
Into my life, as man and wife forever
'Cause we acted just like children... fade
Forgive me, for I'm sorry
In Walter Jackson's song Welcome Home, the singer is expressing how they are both equally responsible for the problems in their relationship. They have been acting childish and letting their pride damage their love. But now that their partner has come back, they are determined to make things right. They promise to give love and take it, and not let pride get in the way anymore. They are happy to have their partner back and want to start their life together as a mature and loving couple.
The phrase "welcome home" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of feeling at home with one's partner. The singer wants to make their partner feel loved and welcomed back, no matter what has happened in the past. The line "Into my life, as man and wife forever" shows their desire for a long-lasting and committed relationship, where they can grow together and love each other unconditionally.
Overall, the song emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and humility in a relationship. To overcome any problems, it's important to acknowledge one's faults and work together to create a loving and welcoming environment.
Line by Line Meaning
We acted like children
We behaved immaturely and indecisively
Now don't tell me that you're sorry
I don't want to hear your apologies
Darling, I'm as much to blame as anyone
I take equal responsibility for our mistakes
It's over and done
Our past is past, let's not dwell on it
Darling, I'm so glad to have you home
I am thrilled to have you back with me
Welcome home, my baby
Welcome back home, my love
Welcome home, my darling
Welcome home, my sweetie
'Cause this time we'll be together
We'll stick together this time
We'll give love as well as take it
We'll be mutually supportive and affectionate
And we'll let pride be something we have
We'll be proud of our relationship
In our love, not just in ourselves
We'll take pride in our feelings towards each other, not just our own individual qualities
Baby, it's so good to have you home
I'm truly happy that you're back with me
Oh, welcome home, my darling
Welcome home, my dear
Welcome home, my baby
Welcome back home, my love
Into my arms, into my heart
I welcome you into my embrace and my feelings
Into my life, as man and wife forever
I want us to spend our lives together as partners
'Cause we acted just like children... fade
We acted immaturely and indecisively and we need to leave it behind us
Forgive me, for I'm sorry
Please forgive me, I am truly apologetic
Contributed by Alice S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@karenyoung3816
Anyone who doesn't like Walter Jackson has to be "deaf." Truly incomparable. His voice makes my heart soar. Gone but most definitely not forgotten. He was Luther Vandross favorite singer. Now run tell that.
@hraddle50
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾😊😉
@eddieedwards8679
Such an underated soulful singer , if not for his polio handicap he would have been bigger and better than he was - RIP our underrated Superstar 💫🌟💫
@johnbarnett6924
A song I only wished,that I could Sing,❤ walter Owns this one, THANKS FOR THE POST ,John revisited 27 September 2023❤
@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE
The most pure from the Heart Dynamic soul vocalist ever. Many years ago I bought a bunch of 45’s in wicker basket at a long gone antique store. A Walter Jackson 45 single from 1958 Was in the Bunch. People that have never heard him are missing out. RIP. Brother ❤️
@danamcallister7094
😊This was played every Weekend by my Mom (Sally) I fell in love with his music ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@Charden58
I too share, your story. When I was growing up my daddy would play Walter Jackson everyweekend. His velvet voice, touched my soul at an early age.😊
@punchmchamm3315
Walter Jackson was a consummate artist of immense talent. Loved everything he recorded. Miss him.
@lmac5902
I was a 19year old graduate from nursing school, too young to get on the club took my nursing diploma to show, so they assumed that I was older. A special session in the state legislature to lower the age of nurses, so we could take the state board exam. In the meantime, I got to see Walter Jackson, and many other phenomenal R&B and Jazz musicians and singer. And never dranked an ounce of liquor while enjoying amazing entertainment. But, almost got busted when I ordered a ginger ale on the rocks, the owner carded me twice, he laughed and I was known as the girl that carried her diploma around.
@yvonnesanders6988
What a powerful voice Walter Jackson had he sounded wonderful on every song he sang!!!