Eugene "Pineapple" Jackson: His Own Story

By Eugene W. Jackson and Eugene W. Jackson II

At age 6, Eugene Jackson was tap dancing for nickels and dimes on the streets of Los Angeles. Soon after, Jackson landed the role of "Pineapple" in Hal Roach's enduring 1924 comedy series Our Gang. Jackson broke away from the other "little rascals" for a solo career that saw him become the first African American child star in talkies, appearing in 1929's Hearts in Dixie. At age 16, his personal vaudeville tour visited 89 cities in 16 states. A true trailblazer, Jackson opened the door for other African American entertainers.

In his first-ever autobiographical work, Jackson recounts his remarkable career in show business as an actor, comic, singer, dancer and musician. He recalls working with such entertainment giants as Gene Autry, Irene Dunne, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis, Jr., Gene Kelly, Al Jolson and Gregory Hines, to name a few. Rare personal photographs and a filmography supplement the story of Mr. Jackson's amazing life, told in his own words.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786405333
• ISBN13: 9780786405336
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: McFarland
• Length: 235 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.8" x 6.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up