R.I.P.: Soul Singer Deon Jackson

Deon Jackson

Deon Jackson, a soul and R&B singer from the 1960s, died April 19.

He was 68, according to mlive.com.

Jackson, who was 68 at the time of his death, studied clarinet and drums as a child, and while attending Ann Arbor High School formed his own vocal group, concurrently performing in area talent shows as a solo act, and composing his own original material.

Before he graduated, Jackson was signed by producer Ollie McLaughlin and had a couple of regional hits around Detroit with “You Said You Love Me” and “Come Back Home,” but it took two years of touring throughout Michigan before Jackson was able to break through nationally.

The song was “Love Makes the World Go Round,” which Jackson wrote and was released on McLaughlin's Carla label. It went to No. 3 on the R&B singles and 11 on the pop chart.