I . Andrew Jackson
(1767–1845)
the seventh US President (1829–37) who was also a famous military officer. His popular name was Old Hickory. He won battles against Native Americans and defeated the British at New Orleans in the War of 1812 . As President, he began the spoils system by giving political positions to his own supporters in the Democratic Party . Jackson believed in the rights of the common man and was especially popular with ordinary people. ‘Let the people rule’ was a phrase he often used. His policies came to be known as Jacksonian democracy .
II . Glenda Jackson
(1936–)
an English actor who has worked in theatre, television and films, winning Oscars for her parts in Women in Love (1969) and A Touch of Class (1973). She became a Labour Member of Parliament in 1992 representing Hampstead and Highgate in London.
III . Janet Jackson
(1966– )
a US singer who is the sister of Michael Jackson . Her most successful songs have included When I Think of You (1986), That’s the Way Love Goes (1993), which won a Grammy award, and All For You (2001). She has also acted in two television series, Good Times and Diff’rent Strokes . When she showed a naked breast during a performance at the Super Bowl in 2004, it was famously described as a ‘wardrobe malfunction’.
IV . Jesse Jackson
( The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. 1941– )
a US civil rights leader and well-known Democrat . He failed in his attempts to be chosen as candidate for President in 1984 and 1988. Jackson is also a Baptist Church leader and is known as an excellent speaker. His son, Jesse L Jackson, Jr, is a member of the House of Representatives .
V . Mahalia Jackson
(1911–72)
a US gospel singer with a strong voice. Her successful songs included Move On Up a Little Higher and Prayer Changes Things . She was a supporter of the civil rights movement in the 1960s and sang at the Inauguration Day ceremony for President John F Kennedy in 1961.
VI . Michael Jackson
(1958– )
a US pop singer, often called Jacko by the British media. As a child he sang as the youngest of five brothers in The Jackson Five. His album Thriller (1983) sold more than 30 million copies, and he won eight Grammy awards in 1984. His first wife was Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley . Despite his great success Jackson is very shy about his private life but it is frequently in the news. It is often said that he has had medical operations to change his appearance and the colour of his skin. In 2003 he was arrested and accused of harming children.
VII . Peter Jackson
(1961– )
a New Zealand film writer, director and producer. He is best-known for the three Lord of the Rings films based on the books by J R R Tolkien : The Fellowship of the Rings (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003) which won three Oscar s.
VIII . Samuel L Jackson
(1948– )
a US actor who has appeared in many Hollywood films and is known for his deep, powerful voice and for playing strong, often violent, characters. His films include Jungle Fever (1991), Pulp Fiction (1994), Shaft (2000) and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones (2002).
IX . ‘Stonewall’ Jackson
( Thomas Jonathan Jackson 1824–63)
an American military leader for the Confederate States during the Civil War . He fought at the Battles of Bull Run and was given the popular name of ‘Stonewall’ during the first of these, because he stood like a stone wall as the enemy advanced. He was killed during the Battle of Chancellorsville when his own soldiers shot him accidentally.