Willis "Gator" Jackson

Willis "Gator" Jackson (April 25, 1932 – October 25, 1987) was an American jazz and rhythm & blues tenor saxophonist. Born in Miami, Florida, Jackson joined Duke Ellington alumnus Cootie Williams's band in 1949 as a teenager, after being discovered by Eddie Vinson. During the 1950s Jackson participated in R&B and jazz recordings, primarily as a session musician. He also toured as leader of the backing band of singer Ruth Brown, whom he married.