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.
 |
| 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.
