Graham W. Jackson, Sr. was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1903 to Graham Washington Jackson and Pauline Hinton Jackson. His mother was a talented vocalist and musician. Graham W. Jackson, Sr. exhibited musical talent as early as age three and was recognized as a prodigy because of his ability to master virtually any instrument without instruction. Excelling on both the piano and organ, Jackson was giving concerts while in high school. With the assistance of a well-to-do patron, he had hoped to go to college to further his studies. The unexpected death of the patron, Dr. King, destroyed Jackson's hope of going to college. Graham W. Jackson, Sr. continued performing and began touring, which led him to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1923. Here he found opportunities not only to perform in such places as Atlanta's Royal Theater and Bailey's "81" but also to attend Morehouse College. Graham Jackson's desire for education eventually led him to the Chicago Music College, Hampton Institute, Loyola University, and Atlanta University. In 1928, Graham W. Jackson, Sr. accepted an appointment to Washington High School as head of the music department. He held this position until 1940. During these 12 years, Jackson continued performing in and out of Atlanta, often for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Jackson enlisted in the United States Navy on May 16, 1942, and was discharged on September 8, 1945. He was given numerous citations for his service to our country in helping to raise more than $3 million worth of bonds and for recruiting for the Navy. In 1945, Jackson became a national symbol of the grief felt over the passing of Franklin D. Roosevelt. A picture of Jackson playing the accordion and weeping as the body of Roosevelt left the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, was published in Life magazine. Throughout his lifetime, people would remember Jackson from this picture and his association with Roosevelt. Besides performing for and being known as the favorite musician of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Graham W. Jackson, Sr. has tributes too numerous to list here. He performed for a total of seven consecutive presidents and was designated the "Official Musician of the State of Georgia." From 1940 until his passing on Jan. 15, 1983, Graham W. Jackson, Sr. was self-employed and made his living through his music studio, giving concerts, and personal appearances. Jackson was also an organist for the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church and a choir director and organist for First Congregational Church, Atlanta, Georgia. He is remembered by many for his performances at Johnny Reb's Dixieland and Pittypat's Porch, two Atlanta restaurants. Graham W. Jackson, Sr. was married to Helen Balton Jackson. The couple had two sons, Graham W. Jackson, Jr. and Gerald Wayne Jackson.