Posted on 01/13/2018 9:01:40 AM PST by buckalfa
Keith Jackson, who was widely regarded as the voice of college football by several generations, died late Friday night, his family said. He was 89.
Jackson, who retired in 2006, spent some 50 years calling the action in a folksy, down-to-earth manner that made him one of the most popular play-by-play personalities in the business.
"For generations of fans, Keith Jackson was college football," said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "When you heard his voice, you knew it was a big game. Keith was a true gentleman and memorable presence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Turi Ann, and his family."
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.com ...
Jackson was my favorite announcer.
Many years ago I was watching a national championship game from one of the really low associations. I think it was the Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Phenix City, Alabama. I was surprised that Jackson was announcing such a low tier game.
Before the game started, the camera swung over to a nearby section of Georgia. Jackson commented that as a boy, he had plowed behind a mule in that very field they were showing.
I think after WWII he lived in Washington state but he never completely lost that Georgia voice.
Whoa, Nelly!
RIP
No doubt he loved college football as much as anyone.
He had some name he’d call particularly outstanding players.
Something like he’s a ‘Big Ugly’ or something like that. It was considered an honor to be called that.
Hellooo everbody! Keith Jackson here ...
College football hasn’t been the same since he retired. His intros of the game on the Saturday afternoon broadcast were poetic and compelling. He would weave in references to the history of the schools, legendary past players and coaches, the rivalry. He made you forget it was a billion dollar industry and remind you that these are college kids. And now we have that clown Lee Corso with the mascot head gimmick. Keith Jackson was irreplaceable.
Ah, damn. Keith Jackson’s voice WAS college football for me growing up.
I really miss Keith Jackson and Vern Lundquist. So many great announcers have died or retired.
I think that is why he was successful. Jackson had fun in making his living.
Grew up listening to his voice (and Bud Wilkinson’s) covering those NCAA games in the 70’s (maybe even the 60’s). Great announcer, great voice.
Now, I hope he is able to RIP in the Lord’s arms...and that all those linemen that he’d refer to as “the big uglies” understood that it was a term of endearment.
RIP.
“He’s a hoss!”
Yes, he was my favorite too. He’s got a mike in heaven, I bet.
Tell me about it. Now we have frickin' women announcing college football games.
Yes, THE GREATEST of All Time
Funny that you remember his use of “autumnal” Which is a word my friends and I recall him using when we text, doing imitations of KJ, etc.
The Early Glory Daze of CFB . . . as I watch the Pac 12 Network series “the 12 Greatest Players” for each school, Keith’s voice is heard on many of the clips
Thanks KJ for making my life a little better
Check out this Jackson intro of the 1977 USC at Notre Dame matchup. Great stuff
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sDRABgZ43Ys
He was a treasure. No current college football announcer comes close.
He has been missed for sure...hasn’t been replaced.
There are a few sports voices that were just about perfect. Jack Buck. Keith Jackson. Hot Rod Hundley. Vin Scully. No doubt you can name a list too.
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