With a mission to present top talent on the rise, Middle C Jazz’s programming team keeps an ear out for artists for Charlotte to discover. Bernard “BK” Jackson is one of those musicians, returning to the Middle C stage as his national profile continues to grow.

Jackson seamlessly blends contemporary jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. A native of Tampa, Florida, he picked up the saxophone at age eleven and showed an early aptitude for the instrument that quickly caught the attention of the music community. By seventeen, he had co-written and released his debut album, On the Move, and became the youngest musician ever to win the Capital Jazz Festival Challenge in Columbia, Maryland. He continued his training from Howard W. Blake High School to Florida A&M University.

Jackson’s career trajectory shifted dramatically when fellow saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield invited him to audition for Prince. Beginning his sophomore year of college, Jackson spent four years touring globally as part of Prince’s eleven-piece horn section, the NPG Hornz, gaining invaluable arena-level experience and contributing to Prince’s final studio release, HITnRUN Phase Two. A promise to his mother, he simultaneously took classes at FAMU to finish his degree.

Following his tenure with Prince, Jackson joined Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Over a six-year stretch, he infused the group’s signature New Orleans brass-rock sound with his own Floridian flair, opening for major acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters. These high-profile gigs firmly established Jackson as a top-tier sideman in demand across the industry.

Recently, Jackson made the decision to step away from touring ensembles to focus entirely on his solo career. The move paid off as he signed with Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records, building on top-20 smooth jazz chart hits like “Paradise” and “Velvet Ropes” before reaching number one on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart with “Colors.” Jackson stands on the cusp of a major solo breakthrough—fully in control of his sound and crafting music defined by vibrant horn textures and modern funk.

Join us August 15th for a chance to enjoy BK Jackson’s incredible sound and newest hits.

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Scott Homewood.