Milwaukee’s Ocie Jackson is “Touching Heaven”

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Every now and then, a background singer steps from the shadows and into the spotlight.

Ms. Jackson talked with TBGB last week about her journey thus far.

Although she lived in Detroit and Louisiana for a little while, Ocie Jackson was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the twelfth of fourteen children to Pastor Leroy and Bernisteen Jackson. Originally from Mississippi and now retired from active ministry, Pastor Leroy Jackson settled in Milwaukee and led Holy Crusaders COGIC and Right Way COGIC. He was a quartet singer while in Mississippi and wanted all his children to sing or play an instrument. “There was never a time in my house that you couldn’t hear singing,” Ocie recalled.

Her initial music influences were diverse: her two older sisters, Mae and Gloria; Sarah Vaughan; and Ella Fitzgerald, “but Fred Hammond is my all time favorite singer.”

Jackson sang background for major artists such as Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Vicki Yohe, and Kirk Franklin whenever they came to Milwaukee. She also sang backup for VaShawn Mitchell and toured as part of his group between the release of his Promises and Triumphant CDs. “VaShawn taught me to connect with the people, to be led by God in each element, and to be confident in who you are, no matter who’s in the room.”

Sound advice, too, because once Mitchell asked Jackson to lead a song while Dorinda Clark Cole and J Moss were sharing the stage.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness!’ I was thinking, ‘Are you sure? I mean, there’s Dorinda!’ My knees were shaking and all, but once I had the mike and was standing in the moment, I didn’t even recognize who was there. It became about me making sure I’m touching Heaven. Once I give God the glory, He can then bless the people.”

Eventually, some of Jackson’s friends and fans suggested the singer consider going solo. Initially reluctant to make the move, Jackson surrendered in early 2011 after coming into contact with producer Chris Crain. “Chris said, ‘Let’s just record one song and see how you feel. If you feel okay and you still think it’s a good idea to record, then let’s keep going.’” Jackson recorded one of Crain’s compositions, “Sing Your Name.” They kept going.

Jackson reflected back on that time. “I didn’t think I was relevant or that people would be interested in hearing me on a recording, but I’m excited what God is doing. I believe He has always intended for me to do what I’m doing.”

While My Heart, My Song will be released February 17 at online stores such as CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon, a release concert and DVD taping is planned for April 27. Meanwhile, the single, “Sing Your Name,” is the song from that first recording session.  It’s the one that convinced Jackson to keep going.

In addition to promoting the CD, Jackson wants to spend time organizing music programs for Milwaukee’s disabled community and to sing for local nursing homes.

“I don’t have to be famous, but I do have to be relevant,” she said. “I would also love for my music to be timeless, not something we listen to for just a little bit. I hope my music will encourage people to move from a mediocre relationship with God to having a heart that’s set ablaze.”