After studying violin and piano as a child, Joe Jackson began playing in bars at
the age of 16 before studying musical composition at London's Royal Academy of
Music. However, Jackson rejected a beckoning future in classical music in favour
of becoming a rock and pop artist, forming the bands Edward Bear and Arms & Legs
and in 1978 was signing by A&M Records as a solo artist.
His 1979 album 'Look Sharp!' included the breakthrough hit 'Is She Really Going
Out With Him?' Other hits followed, notably 'It's Different for Girls' but,
often compared to Elvis Costello, Jackson gradua...