The solo career of gospel singer Frank Jackson follows more than a decade of credits for work as a background vocalist and actor. His performing activities began in Washington, D.C. in the late '80s, with Jackson frequently working as a tenor in the Gospel Symphonic Choir fronted by Dello Thedford. Bob Baldwin began to feature Jackson on recordings in 1990, sometimes in a lead vocalist capacity.
The change in profile that brought about the release of the superb Backslider's Prayer was as much an emotional reaction to events in Jackson's life as a career power grab. The album's main inspiration was the death of one of Jackson's best pals, an outcome brought about by the usual lethal mix of drug dealing, gangs, and casual firearm availability. Part of the catharsis is a blend of styles, such as the expected traditional gospel, the evocative praise 'n' worship, the old standby rhythm and blues, the industrious urban, and the spiritually liberating jazz, a mix that is obviously potent enough for Jackson to take out on the road.
