George Linward Jackson was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio,  on April 6 1920, to George and Alice Jackson.

He attended Martins Ferry High School, where he was one of only two Black students in his year group. He excelled at drama and music, and was a member of the school's dramatic society and Glee club. After graduating from high school, he worked as a pianist for WSTV Radio in Steubenville, Ohio. He was a session player and lived above the station when not on air. 

George enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1942 and was assigned to the 1576th Quartermasters Battalion, based at Teddington, near London. The mobile battalion traveled around the UK to deliver vital supplies to United States Army Air Force stations. In February 1945 he took part in a ceremony in the city of Manchester to commemorate the 136th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. He is photographed here (fourth from left) next to the Lord Mayor and alongside other members of the Air Service Command.

 By the time of his discharge in December 1945, George had risen to the rank of Technician Fifth Grade - a special rank created to recognise enlisted soldiers with special technical skills.

George returned to his work as a musician after the war and lived with his brother, Edmond, in Yorkville, Ohio. George Jackson passed away in 1969, aged 48.