Memphis Horns’ trumpeter earns Lifetime Achievement Award | Arts & Culture

Wayne Jackson, trumpeter of the renowned Memphis Horns, was honored on June 11 by Conn-Selmer, Inc., with a lifetime achievement award and as the first inductee into the company’s Hall of Fame.

The ceremony was conducted via Skype, with Jackson joining the Indiana-based audience from his Harbor Town home.

Laura Cupit, Memphis blues musician and Jackson friend, presented both awards.

Conn-Selmer, one of the world’s largest band and orchestra instrument distributors, manufactures the Bach Stradivarius trumpet—the model Wayne Jackson has played since 1967.

In tribute, Conn-Selmer presented Jackson with a specially-engraved Bach with his name and “Memphis Horns” across the instrument.

Wayne Jackson, with saxophonist Andrew Love, formed the Memphis Horns, appearing on recordings with Otis Redding (“Dock of the Bay”), Elvis (“In the Ghetto”), Al Green (“Let’s Stay Together”), and many more.

In total, the two performed on 52 number-one hits and were honored in February 2012 with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  Andrew Love passed away in April.

“Wayne is the ultimate Bach artist,” Cupit said.  “He is so deserving of this award, and a true Memphis gem.”

Information provided by Amro Music.