Education
University at Buffalo, The State University of New New York
University at Buffalo, The State University of New New York
He was part of Ian Gillan"s backing band on the Deep Purple frontman"s United States solo tour in August and September 2006. He also performed on guitar and acted as musical director for Gillan"s Civil Defense/Digital Video Disc Gillan"s Inn (2006), Live in Anaheim also on Civil Defense/Digital Video Disc (2008), and One Eye to Morocco (2009). He has been Gillan"s creative manager for solo projects since approximately 2005.
In 2010-2011, Jackson scored and engineered the sound track to the indie feature film, The Bad Penny, directed by Todd Bellanca.
Jackson also contributed engineering and production on "Holy Water" and recorded Gillan"s vocals for the "Out of My Mind / Holy Water" single from the Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi: WhoCares album. He released a solo album, In a Heartbeat, in 2006 on which Gillan was credited for backing vocals, and Tommy Z contributed guitar work.
The Civil Defense was recorded at Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario. He also worked with Emerson, Lake & Palmer bassist/vocalist, Greg Lake, and Animal Planet on a record of ELP/King Crimson remakes.
The record was fully recorded, but has not been released.
He was front man for the Buffalo, New York band Animal Planet a group that recorded a three CDs, including Toast, Wag!, and Dawn. Animal Planet, as well as his own Michael Lee Jackson Band have toured extensively overseas to entertain United States troops. He toured with 10,000 Maniacs in 1998-1999.
He replaced Robert Buck during his illness.
Jackson is the son of Bruce Jackson, a professor at the University at Buffalo. Michael Lee Jackson is an attorney from Buffalo, New York with a practice concentrating on entertainment, contracts and general business.
He is a graduate of State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. He clerked for civil rights lawyer, William Kunstler, while in school.
Michael currently resides in southern California.