Mike and Michelle Jackson
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's entertainment, Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Children's music albums, songbooks, instructional guides |
Number of employees | 2 |
Mike and Michelle Jackson formed an Australian duo renowned for their multi-instrumental talents and contributions to children's entertainment. From 1979 until 1986, they appeared on the nationwide television series Playmates broadcast by ABC Television. Their creative output included ten albums—three of which achieved Gold certification and one Platinum—alongside three songbooks. Additionally, they collaborated with author Kel Watkins to produce the instructional guide String Games for Beginners. The duo also released two albums under A&M Records in Canada and embarked on extensive tours throughout Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
History
The partnership between Mike and Michelle began when they met at the 1979 Kapunda Celtic Music Festival, leading to their marriage shortly thereafter. Over a span of seven years, they toured extensively across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S., during which time they authored three songbooks and co-wrote a beginner's manual for string figure enthusiasts. Their discography comprises ten albums, including two collections of Australian folk music aimed at adult audiences and eight albums tailored for children. Their live shows largely supported Arts in Education initiatives, introducing young audiences to a variety of instruments and fostering active musical engagement.
Commercially, their children's music achieved notable acclaim: their sophomore album, Playmates, attained Platinum status, while their first four children's releases each received Gold certification within Australia. In North America, two albums—Bunyips, Bunnies and Brumbies and Playmates—were distributed in Canada by Elephant Records in partnership with A&M Records. The Jacksons were regular contributors to ABC's Playmates television program and appeared frequently on other Australian children’s broadcasts throughout the 1980s.
The duo concluded their professional collaboration in 1986. Since then, Mike Jackson has continued his career independently, performing live, composing new material, and recording both domestically and internationally.
Mike Jackson
Born in Fishtoft, Lincolnshire, England, Mike Jackson relocated to Australia in 1970. A self-taught harmonica player, he gained recognition for his ability to produce melodies on a variety of instruments—a skill influenced by his grandfather and early radio exposure.
Michelle Jackson
Originating from Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia, Michelle Jackson was already adept at guitar, fiddle, and mandolin prior to meeting Mike. Following their partnership, she broadened her instrumental expertise further.
Discography
| Title | Details | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Patchwork |
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| Bunyips, Bunnies & Brumbies |
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| The Roaring Days |
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| Playmates |
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| Ain't It Great To Be Crazy |
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