Jawan M. Jackson brings the bass in the Tony-nominated musical “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg—The Life and Times of the Temptations.”

Jawan M. Jackson brings the bass in the Tony-nominated musical “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg—The Life and Times of the Temptations.” 

In “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg—The Life and Times of the Temptations it's all about the bass.  Although the show did not win all 12 of their Tony nominations they are still selling out houses with the word-of-mouth continues to grow. One of the sounds that make this show so musically amazing is Jawan M. Jackson who is in charge of the bass.

Looking back at his life it’s clear to see that many of his very early steps were always pointed toward performing on Broadway in a show that highlights the best, of the best, that Motown gave to the world.

Young Jackson was born and raised in the heart of Motown, Detroit, Michigan. His unique bass voice made him an early stand out and he trained as an actor, singer, voiceover artist and radio personality.  The richness of his bass was and is a ticket to his fortune. 

To wit, Jackson made his professional debut starring in Broadway's Record-Breaking Smash Hit: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL as bass/baritone Melvin Franklin of The Temptations. 

Now, Jackson again he breathes life into Melvin Franklin and he’s remarkably good. 

Here is what Jawan M. Jackson had to share with the New York Amsterdam News about performing in the Tony-nominated new musical “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg—The Life and Times of the Temptations.”

New York Amsterdam News: You have an amazing voice, Jawan M. Jackson. It’s all about the bass, am I right? It must be difficult to keep your voice healthy with such a demanding schedule. 

Jawan M. Jackson: (laughing) Thank you and yes it is. I do a lot of vocal maintenance to keep my voice healthy.  

AMN: What’s surprised you the most about performing in this musical?

JMJ:  So many things but the most is just how New York has embraced us in every way possible.  

AMN:  How many dance combinations are in the show?  I mean it feels like you are dancing through the entire show.

JMJ: (laughing) Oh my goodness Sergio [Trujillo] choreographed every single moment in the show. He’s [Sergio] is a genius.  I’m dancing throughout the entire show and it’s not just the dance moves it’s every single moment. A snap, a shoulder movement—everything. 

AMN: Yikes! 

JMJ:  Before the show, I attended a six-week extensive session just to learn how to move.  I’m not a trained dancer. 

AMN:  Tell us about the audience response. The night that I attended people were dancing in their seats. 

JMJ:  The audiences that come to the show are great.  People know the music but most didn’t know the men behind the music.  We are talking about five men who sacrificed.  They all had ups and downs.  Highs and lows. 

AMN: How many songs are in the show?

JMJ:  There are 35.  We sing a lot. I love the music of Motown and Barry Gordy said it best.

AMN:  What did Mr. Gordy say?

JMJ:  He said that music has no color.  He said that music brings people together, and it does.