Jawan M. Jackson Wows In The Broadway Hit 'Ain't Too Proud'

Jawan M. Jackson first heard about the musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations in 2013. At the time he was in the Broadway show Motown The Musical. As luck would have it, Jackson was making his Broadway debut as the basso-voiced Temptations member Melvin Franklin. “The first thing that went through my mind was that I have to be in this show,” says Jackson who has a special gift for singing in a soothing, deep, smooth-as-honey register. “I didn't know how or who I had to talk to, but I was sure I needed to be a part of the show.”

For the Detroit native the sounds of Motown has been embedded in his DNA before he can remember. “My grandmother loves Marvin Gaye. And my introduction to the Motown sound was through her,” shares Jackson, a theater arts graduate of Eastern Michigan University. “My introduction to the Temptations was through my cousins who listened to them every chance they got, especially the Temptations’ Christmas album.”

Ain’t Too Proud tells the heartbreaking, inspiring and triumphant story of one of pop music’s greatest vocal groups. They got their start singing on the streets of Detroit and ultimately became hitmakers over and over. The Temptations had 42 top ten hits, won three Grammys, sold 16 million selling records and were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The show has a creative dream team that includes a book by Dominique Morisseau, direction by Des McAnuff and Tony Award-winning choreography by Sergio Trujillo. Ain’t Too Proud was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. And Jackson was recently nominated for a Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album. The pull-at-your-heartstrings story is set against the backdrop of Temptations hits like ““My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” and so many more.

(From left) Ephraim Sykes, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope, Derrick Baskin, and James Harkness in Ain't Too Proud (photo by Matthew Murphy)

For Jackson, who has also appeared in the films Sparkle, Love Thy Self and The Get Down on Netflix, being part of Ain’t Too Proud and playing Melvin Franklin again, one of the group’s founding members, continues to transform him. “Being in this show has changed me for the better. It has shown me that I can accomplish anything and that I'm ready to continue on my principal journey. It has given me the confidence in knowing that I'm enough and that my uniqueness is special,” says Jackson. “I get great joy doing this show. I get to dress up and perform with 18 equally talented cast members who come to work every day and give their best each and every time they hit the stage. I love working with people who push me to be greater and the Ain’t Too Proud cast truly does that.”

Melvin Franklin experienced so much success but also had so much tragedy. He died when he was 52. What qualities did he have that you love? And is there something you wish you could ask him?

From the stories I have gathered, Melvin impacted everyone he encountered. He had the biggest heart and was always down for a good time. I love Melvin’s spirit, his ability to bring all people together, and the way his voice commanded the crowd. His iconic Basso was one of a kind, one that I strive daily when I hit the stage. If there was one thing I would ask him, it would be why he never put out any solo records outside of the Temptations?

When you did you know you had to be a performer?

When I was younger. As a child I always loved music and I was always performing. I would do any type of performance that dealt with music whether it was singing at a talent show, open mic, day camp, neighborhood party, or my mom making me sing at the family cook out or birthday parties.

But the responsible part of me wanted to make sure that I had a job or career that would pay my bills. However, my love for the arts solidified when my college professor encouraged me to audition for a play at the University. I did and from that moment I was hooked.

Can you share the moment when you found out that you were cast in Ain’t Too Proud?

I was working at Broadway.com/Broadway Across America. My team called me because I had booked another show days before. They said to me, “Well, it looks like you’re going to have to figure out what you want to do because you, sir, just booked Ain’t Too Proud!” I was in the break room and dropped to my knees to keep myself from losing it while at the office. The next thing I did was run and tell my boss the great news, who then ran and told the entire floor that I got the part.

Didn’t you make your Broadway debut in Motown: the Musical?

Being cast in Motown: The Musical was my big break. I found the audition in the classified section in the Detroit Free Press, which was the local newspaper in Detroit. I decided to audition, even though I did not know what it was. I went to the open call and sang like I knew how to do. Then, four auditions later, I landed in New York City for the final call backs where I had to learn a dance combination. The director and the creative team decided to give me a chance. I thank them every chance I get because I’m doing what I love to do.

You had a special encounter you had with Whitney Houston where she gave you
advice that has stayed with you “Put God first, stand on the foundation that was set for you and love everyone.” Can you share more about that experience?

I was working as an extra in the film Sparkle. We were told that we couldn’t speak to “Talent.” However, the first thing Whitney did when she walked on set at any time was speak to EVERYONE! Later during filming, we would have set switch over breaks. And once I got the chance to sit in the waiting area with her where she talked to people and encouraged them.

You are devoted to assisting young people and helped develop a program for high school students with a passion for pursuing a career in the arts. Why has that been so key for you?

Arts in education is very important to me. A child needs the arts as a creative outlet to be able to express themselves and in some cases find themselves. I was afforded the arts in school, and the man that I am today is a direct result of having programs to stimulate my mind and attract things that inspire me. I feel it’s only right to pass down what was given to me.

Is it possible to describe how singing and dancing makes you feel?

Singing gives me the freedom to escape. It is what centers me, gives me a spark of joy and peace. It replenishes me when I'm down. Music is always there.

(From left) Derrick Baskin, Jelani Remy, Jawan M. Jackson, Ephraim Sykes, and James Harkness in Ain't Too Proud (photo by Matthew Murphy)