The Story
At age 6, Eugene Jackson was tap dancing for nickels and dimes on the streets of Los Angeles. Soon after, Jackson landed the role of Pineapple in Hal Roachs enduring 1924 comedy series Our Gang. Jackson broke away from the other little rascals for a solo career that saw him become the first African American child star in talkies, appearing in 1929s Hearts in Dixie. At age 16, his personal vaudeville tour visited 89 cities in 16 states. A true trailblazer, Jackson opened the door for other African American performers. Jackson recounts his remarkable career as an actor, comic, singer, dancer and musician. He recalls working with such entertainment giants as Gene Autry, Judy Garland, and Gregory Hines, to name a few. Rare personal photographs and filmography supplement the story of Jacksons amazing life, told in his own words.
Description
At age 6, Eugene Jackson was tap dancing for nickels and dimes on the streets of Los Angeles. Soon after, Jackson landed the role of Pineapple in Hal Roachs enduring 1924 comedy series Our Gang. Jackson broke away from the other little rascals for a solo career that saw him become the first African American child star in talkies, appearing in 1929s Hearts in Dixie. At age 16, his personal vaudeville tour visited 89 cities in 16 states. A true trailblazer, Jackson opened the door for other African American performers. Jackson recounts his remarkable career as an actor, comic, singer, dancer and musician. He recalls working with such entertainment giants as Gene Autry, Judy Garland, and Gregory Hines, to name a few. Rare personal photographs and filmography supplement the story of Jacksons amazing life, told in his own words.
