JACK Jackson was a trumpeter and dance band leader who became a popular DJ and set the style for DJs like Kenny Everett and others.

What is known is that he was born in Barnsley and was the son of a brass band conductor. He was taught how to play the trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music.

Jack (later known as John) first appeared on dance band records in 1925 with Bert Ralton. His break came in 1927 when he joined Jack Hylton's orchestra. His trumpet sound is the highlight on many a Hylton HMV record. One of Jack Hylton orchestra's favourites with the public was "If I Had a Talking Picture Of You."

By 1933 Jack had formed his own band playing at the fashionable Dorchester Hotel from where he made regular broadcasts.

He was the vocalist on many of his band's records. He began a new radio career in 1947 with Band Parade and then became a popular DJ on a programme named Record Round-Up which started in 1948 and lasted 20 years.

David Vamplew, who lives in the Brecon Beacons, has a friend who is a jazz fanatic and he would be interested to know if any of Jack's descendants still live in the Barnsley area. Jack was born in 1906 and died in 1978. "I remember him very well on his radio and TV programmes. He really set the scene for future DJ's," Mr Vamplew said.

If anyone has any information please contact Kath Parkin, Editorial Dept, Barnsley Chronicle, 47, Church Street, Barnsley. S70 2AS.