Superlative, stimulating with a joyful zest for life is our Jackie Jocko. Buffalo is indeed fortunate to claim him as our own.
Born in 1929, Jackie started playing the piano by ear at age two. Classical piano lessons at age 9 and by age 14 he was playing little jobs around town. A graduate of East High School, he says that his best education began after he attended the real world. He was soon making more money than his teachers.
Teaming up with drummer Joe Peters, he left Buffalo at age 18 and headed west. The dynamic duo of Jocko and Peters met their new manager in Cleveland and worked under General Artistic Corporation. Here they had their first record contract with Bill Randall of WERE Station. It was Bill who changed his name from John Giaccio to Jackie Jocko.
Cleveland was his home for two years and the rest is history. Chicago, Miami, Hawaii, Reno and Las Vegas for 5 years. Here he met with the likes of Don Rickles, Betty Grable, Victor Borga and Martha Raye.
Jackie says it took a lot of guts to do what he did. I had no promoters like young kids today. I had to do it on my own. I met the famous people, booked my own tours and my style was different from the others. Jackie s style is so unique because he talks as he plays. He changes tunes at random and warms up his audience with personal dialogue, engaging and enthusiastic. As soon as a person walks into the room he says a thought comes to his mind. He has the natural gift to make up tunes and words for any occasion. He stimulates the soul and makes one smile an evening of sheer delight.
After years away from, Jackie returned to Buffalo in the late 80s. Buffalo, he says, is a fairyland compared to the places he s been. We have everything a beautiful city with parks, architecture and a lake near Canada. The people can t be beat. Buffalonians are a different breed of people.
Upon his return to Buffalo, Jackie played at The Cloister an era, he says, never to return. But he is extremely happy to be playing at EB Greens A great room to play! An intimate room at the Hyatt Hotel brings people from around the world. His unique way of playing show tunes in a semi-jazz style (changing the lyrics from a Cole Porter song) can make any listener a devoted fan. Not only did EB Greens receive Spree s Restaurant of the Year , but Jackie Jocko received the coveted award of Entertainer of the Year .
Be it a birthday celebration or entertaining an out-of-town guest – this is the spot. Slip Jackie a note with a few tidbits about your guest and he s off and running. A rapport with the audience, he will keep your mind and soul soaring.
Hours at EB Greens are Tues-Fri 5:30-9:30pm. Sat 5:30 to10:30pm. Jackie can also be seen on the television show, Fabulous , produced by Kitty La Rue on Adelphia Channel 20. Times are Wed (11am), Thurs (3pm), Sat (2:35pm).
A reminder also that Jackie Jocko will be the lead off at the upcoming Waterfront Jazz Festival, Saturday, June 17th at the West Side Rowing Club. A beautiful setting with over 90 musicians. Tickets are $30 at the gate, but can be purchased beforehand for $25 through Jackie himself! Call Jackie to purchase a ticket for this wonderful day filled with the sounds of jazz music. 716-834-4722