Biography
Vern Jackson was born in Afton, Iowa and began singing at the age of six.
In 1957 when Vern was 17, he traveled with his family to Knott's Berry Farm in Anaheim, California. His former pastor's wife had arranged an audition for Vern. He performed "Old Man River" to a standing ovation, and was promised a job at the park after his high school graduation. He began his career as a professional singer at Knott's Berry Farm in 1958 after graduating in May.
He met his future wife at the park in 1960. Sandra and Vern Jackson were married in 1964. In between, he left his job at Knott's Berry Farm in 1962.
In 1971, Knott's Berry Farm opened the brand new 2000-seat John Wayne Theater. Vern put together a group and returned to work at the park. Movie stars including John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Roy Rogers and singer Glen Campbell attended the debut performance. Vern performed pop music at the John Wayne Theater for four seasons at the park.
In 1981 after hearing a message by a preacher named Dwight Thompson, Vern began to take his faith more seriously. He was not singing professionally at the time, but continued to sing for his church and special events. Ten years later, his pastor gave a cassette of Vern singing to Jan Crouch at the Trinity Broadcasting Network. In 1991, he began appearing regularly on the network and released his first Christian recording in 1992.
Discography
1992 Higher Than I’ve Ever Been (TBN Records/0001): Higher Than I’ve Ever Been; The Old Rugged Cross; Jesus Loves Me; Farther Along; Consider The Lilies; I Have; Love Lifted Me; Leaning On The Everlasting Arms; Blessed Assurance; Amazing Grace.
1993 If That Isn’t Love (TBN Records/0006): I Just Came To Talk With You Lord; Tears Will Never Stain The Streets Of That City; Remind Me Dear Lord; If That Isn’t Love; I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before; He Looked Beyond My Faults; For What Earthly Reason; Too Much To Gain To Lose; Build My Mansion; Perfect Rose.
1994 Symphony Of Praise (TBN Records/0009): Love Letters; The Artist; The Holy Hills Of Heaven Call Me; He Could See The Eagle In Me; He Just Takes Me; Natural High; Symphony Of Praise; At Calvary; Jesus You Mean More To Me; Always In My Hands.
1995 Walkin In The Light (Homeland Records/9506): Walkin’ In The Light; Right Side Of The Track; The Most Precious Stone In Heaven; You Can’t Have A Testimony; Ain’t In A Management Position; Coming Out Of The Closet; Peace Be Still; Look How Far He’s Come; Miss Lizzi; Home.
1996 Why Me, Lord (TBN Records/0018): Why Me Lord; Where The Timbers Cross; A Hymn From Way Back Home; Come Spring; Bring All Your Needs; He Restoreth My Soul; Old Time Revival; Who’s Gonna Teach; Ride Out Your Storm; Oh Blessed Hope.
1997 Sweet Memories-Grandma’s Songs Of Praise (TBN Records/0023): He Giveth More Grace; My Heart’s Already Home; O How I Love Jesus; My Saviour’s Love; The Longer I Serve Him; I Must Tell Jesus; I Saw The Light; Jesus Paid It All; Why Forever Takes So Long; Long Winding Road.
1999 Long & Winding Road-A Tribute To Roy Rogers And Dale Evans Rogers (TBN Records/0031): Hello Mama; Remind Me, Dear Lord; He Looked Beyond My Faults; He Giveth More Grace; Farther Along; Long And Winding Road; Too Much To Gain To Lose; Higher Than I’ve Ever Been; The Longer I Serve Him; Bring All Your Needs To The Lord.
2001 I Will Praise The Lord (TBN Records/0035): Light At The End Of The Darkness; Beyond The Open Door; After All These Years; Still Her Little Child; Just Be There; The Name Of Jesus; The Anchor Holds; See The Scars; Do You Still Feel The Nails; Oh What A Beautiful Name; I Will Praise The Lord; Here Comes A Miracle.