Current:Home > reviewsFarewell to Earnest Jackson, the iconic voice behind Planet Money's 'Inflation' song -Stellar Wealth Sphere
Farewell to Earnest Jackson, the iconic voice behind Planet Money's 'Inflation' song
View
Date:2025-04-14 18:55:48
When Planet Money spoke to the singer and songwriter Earnest Jackson back in 2022, the then 74-year-old was a bit wistful about his unrealized dream.
"I've always wanted to be a superstar," Jackson said. "I feel like I had the potential. And, you know, I haven't given up my dream. I pray on it all the time."
Jackson began writing and performing soul and R&B songs when he was just a teenager. Sure, he had some brushes with fame. But despite his talent and hard work, he, like so many other musicians, never really got his moment in the sun.
That is until Planet Money got its hands on a dusty, old cassette tape of a song that Jackson wrote and recorded with a band called Sugar Daddy and the Gumbo Roux. The song is called "Inflation." And while it was recorded way back in 1975, during the heyday of stagflation, it really tapped into the inflationary zeitgeist of the last few years.
We loved the "Inflation" song. It's jazzy and funky. Jackson's voice and lyrics really capture the pain and frustration of living in an economy in which the cost of living is skyrocketing. But despite the song being so good, it had never been released. So we decided to change that.
What followed was an odyssey into the music industry, all documented in a three-part podcast series. Planet Money started a record label with the aims of making the song a hit and Jackson a star (as well as learning the ins and outs of the music business).
And we are happy to report that the song ended up being a hit. On Spotify alone, the song has been streamed over 1.8 million times, putting it easily in the top one percent of all songs listened to on the streaming platform (less than one percent of songs on Spotify get more than a million listens).
We are also happy to report that Jackson got a taste of what he had always dreamed of. He got recognition for his talent and artistry like never before. "Inflation" was streamed around the world, from Japan to Nigeria to Norway to Kazakhstan. Of particular significance to Jackson, the song was played on his favorite radio station, Q106.5 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The song also proved to be a launching pad for other work. Jackson, for example, was featured on the popular animated TV show Bob's Burgers, singing a song called "Gas in my car," which is about the gas crisis back in the 1970s.
But, alas, we are sad to report that Earnest Jackson recently passed away in his hometown of Baton Rouge. He was 75.
In a recent episode of Planet Money, Jackson's son, Corey, told us that his dad was "ecstatic" about his late-found success. "He was in such good spirits, man," Corey said. "He was so happy about that."
We at Planet Money will never forget Earnest Jackson. Not only was he a great singer and songwriter, but, after spending hours with him, we learned that he was also a great man, with infectious ebullience and intoxicating charisma. His light may be extinguished, but his songs will continue to shine — including, of course, "Inflation," which is sure to resonate anytime prices rise in the economy.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Hurricane Helene victims include young siblings killed by falling tree as they slept
- Mega Millions winning numbers for October 1 drawing: Jackpot at $93 million
- How Climate Change Intensified Helene and the Appalachian Floods
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Hospitals mostly rebound after Helene knocked out power and flooded areas
- Sean “Diddy” Combs Accused of Abusing Minors Amid New Allegations
- Man gets nearly 2-year prison sentence in connection with arson case at Grand Canyon National Park
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Best Early Prime Day Pet Deals: Unleash 60% Off Dog Seat Belts, Cologne, Brushes & More as Low as $4.49
Ranking
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Lionel Richie Shares Sweet Insight Into Bond With Granddaughter Eloise
- Biden estimates recovery could cost billions ahead of visit to Helene-raved Carolinas
- Why Love Is Blind’s Nick Dorka Regrets Comparing Himself to Henry Cavill in Pods With Hannah Jiles
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Army returns remains of 9 Indigenous children who died at boarding school over a century ago
- Takeaways from AP’s report on declining condom use among younger generations
- Coach praises Tim Walz’s son for helping protect other kids after shooting
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
'Congrats on #2': Habit shades In-N-Out with billboard after burger ranking poll
Watch a sailor's tears at a surprise welcome home from her dad
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi Share Behind-the-Scenes Look at Italian Wedding Ceremony
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
As dockworkers walk out in massive port strike, the White House weighs in
The Latest: Trio of crises loom over final the campaign’s final stretch
Shell Shock festival criticized for Kyle Rittenhouse appearance: 'We do not discriminate'