Entertainment
Blues Musician Melvin Jackson Dies
In this Oct. 8, 2014, photo provided by Valerie Jordan, Blues musician Melvin Jackson poses for a photo at his home in Las Vegas. Jackson, who played with legends B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014. He was 79. (AP Photo/Valerie Jordan)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Blues musician Melvin Jackson, who performed for years with legends B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland, has died. He was 79.
Jackson died Tuesday evening at a hospice facility in Las Vegas after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, said his niece, Valerie Jordan. The trumpeter and saxophone player started performing as a child with his father, who was also a musician.
“He practiced every single day, even when he knew the music,” she said.
Drummer Tony Coleman, who worked with Jackson for years as a member of King’s band, says Jackson was a consummate professional and an excellent musician. Jackson performed with Bland and King for decades traveling to more than 90 countries and only quit performing this September. He was versatile and his music had a good blues feel, Coleman said.
“He’s always been extremely serious about performing,” Coleman said. “There were no excuses — be on time, be professional, do your best — that’s how he was.”
Jackson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1935 but had lived in Las Vegas for years, his niece said.
He is survived by three daughters.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Bo Tefu
Gov. Newsom Highlights Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue, Warns of Economic Threats from Federal Policies
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with the nonprofit organization Visit California, announced that tourism spending in California reached a record $157.3 billion in 2024, reinforcing the state’s status as the top travel destination in the United States.
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The Governor made the announcement May 5, referencing Visit California’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, which highlights a 3% increase in tourism revenue over the previous year.
According to the report, California’s tourism sector supported 1.2 million jobs, generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenues, and created 24,000 new jobs in 2024.
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”
Despite the gains in tourism revenue, Visit California’s revised 2025 forecast points to a 1% decline in total visitation and a 9.2% decrease in international travel. The downturn is attributed to federal economic policy and what officials are calling an impending “Trump Slump,” caused by waning global interest in traveling to the United States.
To offset projected losses, the Governor is encouraging Californians to continue traveling within the state and has launched a new campaign aimed at Canadian travelers.
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