Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson (born 1954) emerged from the same late-1970s new wave scene as Elvis Costello and Graham Parker but proved more musically restless than either. His debut Look Sharp! (1979) was razor-edged power pop; I'm the Man (1979) sharpened the attack further. Then he pivoted entirely: Beat Crazy (1980) incorporated ska and reggae, Jumpin' Jive (1981) was a full-on swing revival album, and Night and Day (1982) — his commercial peak, featuring Steppin' Out — drew from Cole Porter and Latin jazz. Body and Soul (1984) was recorded at a famous jazz club. He has released over 20 albums across genres including classical orchestral works, and his refusal to be categorized has kept him critically respected if commercially unpredictable. His piano playing is technically formidable and immediately recognizable.