Joe Jackson (born 11 August 1954 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, as David Ian Jackson) is a British musician. Jackson is probably best known for the hit singles Is She Really Going Out With Him? (1979) and Steppin' Out (1982). Although born in Staffordshire, Jackson grew up in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. He started off learning to play the violin but soon switched to piano. ...show more

Joe Jackson (born 11 August 1954 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, as David Ian Jackson) is a British musician. Jackson is probably best known for the hit singles Is She Really Going Out With Him? (1979) and Steppin' Out (1982). Although born in Staffordshire, Jackson grew up in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. He started off learning to play the violin but soon switched to piano.

From the age of 16 he played in bars, and won a scholarship to study musical composition at London's Royal Academy of Music. Jackson did not like the prospect of being a serious composer, and moved towards pop and rock. His first band was Arms and Legs which collapsed after two unsuccessful singles. He then spent some time in the cabaret circuit to make money to record his own demos.

In 1978 a producer heard his tape, and got him signed to A&M Records. The album Look Sharp! was recorded straight away, and was released in 1979, quickly followed by I'm The Man and Beat Crazy in 1980. He also collaborated with Lincoln Thompson in reggae crossover. The Joe Jackson Band was very successful and toured extensively. ...show less