The Jacksons at 50 Plus Years – Honored At Concert in Atlanta

The Jacksons honored in Atlanta by Georgia State Representative Debra Bazemore
Spread the love

Late Summer is the time of year to still enjoy the beauty of being outdoors. There was no greater feeling being outdoors with 16 of my friends in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, September 7, 2019 with the Royalty Musical Jacksons taking the stage and having us standing up on our feet the entire exciting, and energetic concert with a screaming Encore.

The energetic Jacksons still giving us fans what we want – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson with a 50 plus year career is still going strong – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

The evening ended in a rewarding way when the Jacksons were honored by Georgia State House of Representative District 63, Debra Bazemore with a Resolution that acknowledged they were the first African American musical dynasty, releasing their first No. 1 Hit, “I Want You Back” 50 years ago this year, followed with three more consecutive No. 1 Hits and for countless community and musical contributions.

The Jacksons entered Hitsville U.S.A. known as Motown over 50 years ago and became Motown’s first and only artist to have 4 consecutive No. 1 Debut Hits; “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth’s original “45’s and album” collection (Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5)–STAY TUNE FOR THE NEXT ARTICLE WHEN SPLASH MAGAZINE SPENDS THE WEEKEND WITH MOTOWN’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY HONOREES AND WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE JACKSONS

The day before the concert, Tito Jackson, the lead guitar for the Jacksons was heard around Atlanta on Majic FM 107.5. He was excited to be in Atlanta and he made the radio listeners thrilled and fired up too. Tito was telling the audience to come out to their Jacksons’ party because they are hype and ready.

Marlon Jackson watching his older brother Tito “do his thang” – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Also, he said he was planning on singing a follow-up to his Tito Time 2016 album with his single “One Way Street” (The Gregg Pagani Mix) available on all music streaming platforms worldwide. Everything Tito promoted, it actually happened at the concert. Tito Jackson-“One Way”

Prior to the concert, the Jackson Doll Production (JDP) and I initially were looking forward for the National Basketball Retired Player Association (NBRPA) – Atlanta collaborating a community project in honor of the Jacksons 50 plus years in the Entertainment business since I am the Co-Administrator for the NBRPA-Atlanta and Starr Hayes, CEO of JDP.

A cruise was previously scheduled so many of the retired players were on the cruise that weekend and couldn’t attend. However, Harold Keeling and his wife Michelle represented the organization. They thanked me and talked about the grand time they shared with the Jacksons and us on their wedding anniversary.

National Basketball Retired Player Association (NBRPA) – Atlanta member, Harold Keeling (Dallas Mavericks) and beautiful wife, Michelle enjoying their wedding anniversary with the Jacksons at us – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

When all my 16 friends arrived at Wolf Creek Park Amphitheater to sit on the second row of tables from the stage, we were so happy to see each other and excited about seeing the Jacksons perform. We talked, laughed and ate all that good southern food but when show time began, all of that ceased.

Brenda Barnes sharing her Southern Country Apple Pie – She only took the crumbs home – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Renee Sudderth posing next to Pat Oalden’s celebrating her Birthday with friends (Coleen Daly next to Pat; Eliza Lowery, cousin Marsha Sudderth) and the Jacksons – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

I had already spoken to them about me being in a different zone when the Jacksons appear on stage; after all, I have loved and admired them since I was actually nine years old.

My friends ranged from mid-50’s to the mid 60’s with several traveling from out of town just to share this enchanted evening with me and the Jacksons.

Brenda Barnes, Gwen Burrell, and Jeanine Jackson smiling and waiting for the Jacksons to take the stage – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

When the Jacksons music started that’s when all of us “almost” Senior Citizens turned into teenagers screaming, laughing, dancing, singing and being entertained by Joseph and Katherine’s boys from Gary, Indiana.

The moment we had been waiting for – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
The moment the Jacksons hit the stage was the moment we started screaming – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

The concert was so energetic, amazing, well-choreographed, very sentimental in parts but overall, they gave us, the fans, what we have been screaming about for over 50 years.

The fans cheering and being delighted by the Jacksons – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

The thrilling part is how they have become true legends who gave their all for us, despite the sweltering heat and other adversities. The Jacksons demonstrated with class, “the show must go on”.

“Shake Your Body Down To the Ground” and they really did and so did we – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Jeanine Jackson, my best friend and a Jackson fan since she was 10 years old, was laughing about how Jackie at the end of the concert was shaking the fans hands and when he shook her hand she didn’t want to let it go. She said, “I felt that was one of the best nights of my life. I don’t get out much anymore but baby when I did, it was done right! Up close and personal with three fabulous sexy men…Tito, Jackie and Marlon. My night was complete. I loved it!!! I wished I could have gone back stage to hang out with them but I’ll take what I got….a dream come true.”

Jeanine Jackson, the other half of our group, the Jackson 2 when we performed “The Love You Save” in a talent contest and won at age 12, now she’s watching the real Jacksons – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Bernard Foster with excitement said, “My best experience was seeing the Jacksons walk up to the stage to cheers; the exact same way it’s been for the past 50 years”.

Renee Sudderth, Bernard Foster, and Brenda Barnes enjoying this great evening – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

State Representative Debra Bazemore said, “The event was outstanding. The Jacksons lived up to their name and expectations. We were amazed, entertained and taken back to our childhood. Each song brought back pleasant memories and reminded us where we were when that song came out. Experiences are always made better when mutual and like-minded friends are present, which occurred that night.

State Representative Debra Bazemore and Actress, TV Personality, Screenwriter, Designer Lisa Wu – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

When my father viewed the photos he was saying, “Yea Tito, that’s my man, he was sweating, working hard for his money, and he looks like he’s in another world.”  I told daddy I was screaming, he replied, “Like I don’t know that, you don’t have to tell me that.”

Tito Jackson, the Jackson brother who broke his father’s guitar string over 55 years ago and still plunking the strings many decades later with his Blues Band also – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

I was so proud of the hard work the Jacksons still exhibit with entertaining us through their voices, stellar dancing, their gorgeous smiles, and amazing physique.

The Jacksons still getting down to their soulful sounds – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Brandon Brown surrounded by the Legendary Jacksons – he will never forget the golden opportunity touring with the Jacksons – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

I imagined we were entertaining them too because we were dancing, hollering, and enjoying ourselves to the fullest. The next day, I laughed at my friends and including myself.  One friend said her son came to check on her and she couldn’t get out of the bed after using muscles she hadn’t used in years from the concert.

After the concert, I was right by my friend, State Representative Bazemore’s side when we were cordially escorted backstage to come face-to-face with those hard-working men, the Jacksons.

But before we saw them, we were stopped in our tracks by Academy Award Winner Lou Gossett Jr., from “Officer and The Gentleman” (1982), who I first saw in “Roots” mini-series in 1977. We all were smiling because we were backstage after the concert.

I asked Mr. Gossett what he thought of the concert, “Oh, it was a great, an exciting show. I have known the Jacksons since they were young boys and now over 50 years they can still perform with excellence”.  I agreed wholeheartedly and Representative Bazemore concurred definitely with his assessment of the evening.

Georgia State Representative Debra Bazemore, Oscar Award- Winner Lou Gossett Jr., and Splash Magazine Photojournalist Renee Sudderth – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

It was so electrifying when we were in the Jacksons presence. It is so unbelievable how they work so hard onstage dancing, singing, smiling, laughing, interacting with the fans, still moving like they were in their 20’s, and still find the time and energy to meet and greet everyone with perfection.

State Representative Debra Bazemore made her honorable presence known when she presented the Legendary Jacksons their prestige Resolution from the State of Georgia.

Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, and Marlon Jackson receiving honors from Georgia State Representative Debra Bazemore – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

While the Jacksons looked with pride and beautiful smiles, they felt this was another proud moment in their lustrous career.  In addition to Representative Bazemore giving this deserving Resolution that night, she invited the Jacksons to the Georgia State Capitol to receive recognition in the presence of the Georgia General Assembly. That will be an exciting moment and I will be there too with other Georgia residents and Jacksons fans to witness another part of history.

Representative Bazemore said, “Having the honor to embrace and present the Jacksons with a Resolution is something  I will never forget!  The Jacksons have not only touched us adults, but my son and grandson who know all the words and steps to their songs. This demonstrates, the Jacksons’ music transcends generations. They have left a mark on the musical industry and it can not or will not ever be matched.”

I know I will treasure this moment forever because I actual was there with my eyes and heart absorbing this golden moment when the Jacksons were receiving one of their numerous awards they have received in their lifetime with so much up beat.

September 2018 and September 2019 is not a bad month to hang out with the Jacksons two years straight!!!! I LOVE IT!!! – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson and Marlon Jackson thanked Erwin “Katt” Hill of Majic 107.5 for his presence and air play – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

I told Jackie I had brought 16 friends to the concert, he chuckled and said, “I saw you guys, and I thank you, thank you”. Afterward, I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the evening.

My friends came far and near to enjoy each other and be entertained by the “Forever So Young” the Jacksons – What A Night To Remember – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

I will not forget how Jackie, Tito and Marlon said they read and liked my last Splash Magazine article when I interviewed them with Starr Hayes from the Jackson Doll Production last September in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The Jacksons, Jackson Doll Production with Starr Hayes and her family – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Jackie said he enjoyed it and we have to do it again.  I carried on conversations with them but I didn’t conduct an interview because we didn’t plan for it. Now, I regret deeply I did not listen to Jackie and conduct a follow up interview.

“Last Call For Photo Shoot” – Jackie Jackson, a friend, Renee Sudderth and Chad Wright the dynamic drummer who was so happy and proud to be back home in Atlanta performing – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

The other regret I had was that all my friends could not go back stage with Representative Bazemore and myself to share this magical night with the Jacksons after the concert. As a special group of friends including my sister, we will never forget how we had a blast from the past with the Jacksons still performing at the top of their game.

Sister Toni Sudderth who grew up with me on this Jackson lifetime journey and is still with me – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

Overall, I thank you God for allowing all this to happen and to spend another amazing and remarkable night with the Jacksons, the Royalty Musical Entertainers Forever. Everyone, make sure you go see them perform in a concert or whether they are accepting another accolade. You will not have any regrets knowing you would be part of history!!!! May God continue to strengthen and watch over the entire Jackson family that Papa Joe Jackson had to leave behind.

Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Jermaine Jackson (absent) will always be an inspiration to me even when Marlon is saying funny lines – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

15 Comments

  1. M.B. – Oct 23, 2019 – Via EMAIL – I loved how you outline everything. You are really talented. I got a little jealous you hugged up with the Jacksons but then again, I was happy for you because I know the struggle it took to see them all these years after admiring them for so long. I’m really proud of you and I enjoyed the article.

  2. MARSHA SUDDERTH – Oct 23, 2019 Via EMAIL – It was so great re-living that night. I’ve had so many people reading the article and giving compliments. They were amazed how the Jacksons still got it after all these years and how they are still performing, despite Michael not being here.

  3. STARR HAYES – Oct 21, 2019 – Via FACEBOOK – Your passion, heart and love for the family is Amazing! Your heart and commitment to sharing your journey is rewarding! It’s time to move to Television Shows! The world needs to see ya! Blessings…..Tyler Perry Studio newest employee Celebrities Columnist Ms. Renee Sudderth, Ms Sudderth have traveled the world reporting the latest news! She brings truth, laughter, experiences and exciting articles.

  4. BEVERLY KEE – October 19, 2019 – Via FACEBOOK – ❤️❤️❤️ Awesome Renee Sudderth and State Representative Debra Jones-Bazemore.

  5. PAT OALDEN – October 18, 2019 – Via FACEBOOK – I had an amazing time with everyone. I don’t think we sat down at all!! Let’s do it again!!

  6. MICHELLE KEELING – October 18, 2019 – Via TEXT – What an awesome article. Thanks for including us. You’re so talented.

  7. HAROLD KEELING – October 18, 2019 – Via FACEBOOK – That was so cool … what’s our choices for future concerts ?

  8. What an amazing article!!! You captured some great photos of that memorable outstanding night under the stars with friends, family and of course our life long favorite hard working group from Gary Indiana. I truly enjoyed myself as well as all of us. I’m looking forward to the next concert and hopefully I’ll make it backstage to hang out with the Jackson’s!!! Thank you for the memories.

Leave a Reply to Carolyn Sims Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.


*