The Legend Of A Gone But Not Forgotten Shirt King In The A.N.D.--- A Tribute To Tommy L. Jackson

Just a week ago I learned of some very disheartening news by phone about a friend of mine of whom which I profoundly respected many years ago and regardless of his untimely passing, I will always revere him.  One thing I have come to realize as I have gotten older is that most of us{people in general} seem to never miss the water until after the proverbial well has run dry, we all have heard that phrase at one time or another. We wish to express things after the fact, meaning after a loved one or close friend whom may have made their transition, before we were given a chance to let them know personally the affect they had upon us and the difference they made personally in our life and the rest of the world.

Classic Tommy with his humorous personality always on display.

This is not just another typical article that I’m penning, but somewhat of an up close and personal revelation of how the late brother Tommy L. Jackson affected my life from the first time we met around the year 04.  With an infectious sense of humor and lively personality accentuated by a go getter attitude, that the world can be yours if you have the motivation and hustle to go get it. Yes from the brief time we spent in local entertainment together, that was one of the first things I learned just by observing his actions. I remember Tommy as being a family man, entrepreneur, an urban clothing aficionado, and always staying ahead of the fashion curve when it came to the hottest urban trends.

I’m proud to share with all my readers, there was also a “second thing" that rubbed off from him on me when he anointed me his first go-to Anderson Dj at the Original Club Envy in 05. For all those that remember and who were there, can and will attest I speak nothing but the truth! What did I learn you may ask?  He taught me that in any business that if you are serious about achieving your goals or dreams, you can’t sleep in late always, but that---- you must get up and get out to get something. Reminiscent to the 1994 Outkast hit record of the same title. 

L-R Pictured Da Zelek, Tommy (Shirt Kingz) Jackson, Cool Chuck, Keith "Kita Roc" Watkins, Kenny"BKS" Benson, Jermaine "JR"Rogers

  This principle Tommy practiced and preached religiously and became one of the main pillars of his work ethics that I personally became a witness too. I have fond recollections of him reiterating to me riding in his jeep when traveling to go load up some Dj Speaker cabinets for a gig, saying humorously in a patent tone that only he could do “ Tuccccck You Gotta Get Up Early Baaaaaby--- If you Gonna Make Some Monnney!”

The Late Great Dj T-Bone aka the "Crowd pleaser"

From that point forward he demonstrated to me through hard-work, stern actions and not just words, how and why he became such a success with his multiple “Shirt Kings and Queens’ urban outlets all around Anderson. From movies, music to the lasted fashions Shirt Kings either had it or could get it and let nothing or no one stand in the way of his business' expansion. Tommy was one of the few brothers in the city back then that supported my talents as a dj while presenting me the opportunity to sell music out the trunk of my car as a side hustle, and he was known to often support monetarily behind the scenes for local musical hip hop projects such as “Building An Empire” Da Mix tape Vol.1 mixed by the A.N.D.’s late great Dj T-Bone, and conceived by Buffalo, N.Y.’s own Franklin “Da Zelek” Stewart.

Classic Shirt Kings Drop By Tommy..

Tommy on the inside insert of Building an Empire..

 These are just a few of my own personal experience’s I felt I needed to share about how he impacted my life and so many others. None of us are perfect so we need not point the finger, it was not my intent to paint him in the image of a saint. We all have our flaws but when it came to helping people in his circle of whom he respected, as was my case he not only did that flawlessly, but he also exemplified the unique ability to inspire simultaneously .  Many years had passed since Tommy and I last conversed, I remember saying to his brother Carl “BiG Poppa” Jackson almost two months ago when he stopped in my place of business downtown about a cell phone issue he needed assistance with. 

I ask him about his brother as my recollection would have it I said “Big Poppa can you tell Tommy that I asked about him and if he could drop by the shop the next time he’s in town because I really would like to see him in order to get his take on my apps and website work!” Sadly to say I never got that chance due to his untimely passing, but knowing him I know he would have given me the best advice on which direction I should maybe move next. At least I can received the comfort that my message was delivered to him before he left this plane of existence in the spiritual form thanks to his big brother.

Me Dj-ing Live  for Customer appreciation day at one of the old Shirt Kingz locations on Hwy 28 near the first walmart location in Anderson in 05. 

People really don’t think about the pain they inflict upon a person’s family, friends and love ones when they commit senseless crimes against another person.  I remind all reading this small tribute piece, that there is such a law higher than man’s law, and its the law of the universe of the highest order of nature call it God or whatever your religious affiliation may term it. This law is reflected by way of our actions and deeds, so dear friends and family of brother Tommy let your hearts be not troubled because that vile act that person or persons perpetrated, they will surely reap double for all the pain and suffering they have cause stemming from their heinous acts. This is not conjecture but is by way of proven facts of the highest order of justice. I cannot fathom having to go I.D. my brother on my birthday when I anticipated celebrating that day with him just days prior.  Whether it was Danielle, Yolanda aka Veta, Big Poppa aka Carl or just sitting and talking with the matriarch of their family Ms. Linda, all would show me much respect when I hung out at any Shirt Kings location on Hi-way 28. And now with this small tribute to Tommy I wish to give you all that love and respect back, during this difficult week of your bereavement.

Rest In Paradise my Brother and Friend..

  I considered Tommy a friend and a mentor in all aspects of an entrepreneur and a black businessman. Make no mistake his swag and humorous persona, I will always keep as fond memories in my heart as well as the business ethics he impressed upon me while working together with him here in the A.N.D..

My condolences again to each and every one that was related to or touched by Tommy L. Jackson because I definitely was, it was what motivated me to pen this small article in his honor…….9 Love (infinite) to all!!  I promised his sisters and brother that I would share my thoughts, thus I hope I didn’t let you all down..   

Sincerely Dj Tuc -da A.N.D. Representa.

 Please feel free to share your thoughts about your fond memories of Tommy and Shirt Kings below…

 *About the author: Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store.