Jazz drumming legend Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson has died.

Jazz drumming legend and Blue Canoe recording artist Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson has died.  He was 55.

Jackson's family announced that the musician died on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 in Washington, DC where he lived and performed until his death from congestive heart failure.

For over twenty years, Jackson toured the world with legendary organist Jimmy Smith.  In his time with Smith, Jackson performed with jazz greats McCoy Tyner, George Benson, Christian McBride and many others.  His latest recording featured arrangements inspired by a 1961 collaboration between Cannonball Adderly and Nancy Wilson.  Included on this masterpiece is a previously unreleased track featuring the late Jimmy Smith. Jackson was known as an unshakable sideman and for his strong, distinctive shuffle beat.

Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson was an unmatched talent that will be missed in the world of jazz

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Listen to Jimmy in his own words...This audio interview was conducted at an Atlanta Starbucks with the late great Jimmy Junebug Jackson. It was recorded on a laptop computer and the background noise can be rather distracting. However in spite of this, we've decided to release this audio interview. In this un-edited and raw interview, Jimmy discusses working with Jimmy Smith, his early beginnings, his CD, words of wisdom and much much more. Interviewed by Joseph Patrick Moore for Blue Canoe Records.