Popular Radio Host DJ Action Jackson Has Died At Age 59

Charles M. Jackson Jr., known by the public as DJ Action Jackson, passed away in hospice care Sunday (August 8) after a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.

According to The New Orleans Advocate | The Times Picayune, Jackson was the voice of New Orleans' second-line culture for WWOZ. Since 2012, his "Takin It To The Streets" spotlights featured interviews with culture bearers and kept the city up to date with various Mardi Gras Indian marches and other street celebrations. His show even won a New Orleans Press Club award in 2018.

"He was just a genuinely fun, smart, kind person," said WWOZ Director Beth Arroyo Utterback, adding, "I can't believe I'm never going to hear (his signature sign-on), 'It's your boy, Action Jackson' again."

On Sunday, WWOZ posted a tribute to its longtime host, praising his time at the station and especially how he kept in touch with New Orleans throughout the last year.

"Action's work in 2020 and early 2021 was a major part of keeping the community informed and connected as the streets remained empty and funerals were small," the station wrote in a blog post. "Action will be greatly missed by all at WWOZ and within the cultural communities in New Orleans."

Jackson is preceded in death by his wife, Ophelia A. Brooks-Jackson. He is survived by his children, Chantrell Trahan and Charles Jackson III, and family. A pop-up second-line parade took place in the Lower 9th Ward on Monday in honor of Jackson, and photos can be seen here.