Gene Nolan Jackson was born in St. Louis, MO on March 7, 1960 to Mary Lee Jackson and Donnell Woods. He was an only child.

Gene graduated from Soldan High School and JVL Communications where he studied Radio and Broadcasting for SLPS radio station KSLH and assisted in writing the Jingle. He also attended a summer program at Lincoln University in the summer of 1979 in their agricultural studies. Gene knew the Lord and dedicated his life to Christ. In the 1980’s he was the choir President at Mt. Gideon M.B. Church. He opened a resale store called Organized Junk from 1993-1998. Gene worked for years at Ace Furniture and in later years the Jiffy Lube on Kingshighway where they excelled in sales.

Gene was a jack of all trades. He played the congas, keyboard, sang, danced, song-writer, painter, band-leader and all-around showman and artist. He played keyboard and sang vocals for the Bill King Band featuring Carole King and Mona Williams. Gene recorded several albums, the first one was “The Night I fell in Love”, produced by Bill King for BCSK Records.

Gene appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk where he sang “Son” a song he dedicated to his son, Kyle off his 1963 album. He recorded with Blue Lotus Recording many songs which can be found on YouTube. Gene performed all around St. Louis and beyond, one of his favorite places was 1860’s a local entertainment bar. Gene’s art work was displayed in Missouri State prisons as well.

Gene was called home to rest in the loving arms of the Lord on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. His loving Mother Mary L. Coleman (Jackson), Grandmother Johnnie Mae Jackson, sons Quinton Jackson and Kyle Kuster preceded him in death.

Gene is survived by his wife Trisha Kuster; daughter Venus A. Penn (Jeremy Sr), sons Christopher Nettles (Mary) and Laron Young; grandchildren, Christian Nettles, Christopher Nettles, Aubrey Jackson, Ashton Jackson and Journee’ A. Penn “Sparrow”, two treasured Aunts and an Uncle and a multitude of beloved relatives, treasured friends and bandmates.