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Written by David Marks (real name: Spiros D Markantonatos) of his experiences as a young man working in the mines, this song went out from South Africa to the world. 'Master Jack' was released on 5 January 1968 and entered the Springbok Top 20 at #14. It remained on Springbok's Top 20 for twenty-one weeks, was #1 for five weeks during February and March of 1968, and for three weeks in March was #1 in Rhodesia. Four Jacks and a Jill were the first South African group to have three hits in the Top 20 at the same time: 'Timothy', 'Master Jack', and 'I Looked Back'. 'Master Jack' was also a hit in America, reaching #18 in June 1968, according to Billboard's Hot 100. (Sources: Liner notes from 'The Best of SA Pop Volume 2' and 'The Very Best of Four Jacks and a Jill, Volume One', both written by Malcolm Lombard) - info kindly supplied by Kurt Shoemaker, October 1999
Four Jacks and a Jill -- Master Jack -- RCA Victor 47-9473
This is the original South African recording, in mono only. RCA, on the success of the 45, flew the group to L.A. and recorded the stereo LP. All reissues of this song have been the stereo remake.
-- from the Both Sides Now website - found by Kurt Shoemaker, October 1999
Billboard Charts
Incidentally, 'Master Jack' got to #8 on the Billboard Hot Hundred, not #18. We note that in the "One Hit Wonders" book & a few other official publications, that #18 is the watermark. No matter what those history books say, they are incorrect. Four Jacks & A Jill also took 'Hey Mister' to #98 & 'Mr Nico' got to #64. The Hidden Years Archive will inform Billboard of these errors.
-- David Marks, September 1999
Four Jacks and a Jill achieved the distinction of being the only South African group to have had a hit in America with a single recorded in South Africa.
-- History of Contemporary Music of South Africa, 1994
This song seems to float down from the sky on the hypnotically repetitive plucked guitar. Glenys Lynne's beautiful voice is haunting as she sings the enigmatic yet meaningful lyrics. A lovely and timeless song.
-- Kurt Shoemaker, USA, October 1999
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Last updated 2000-12-17 13:20
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Lyrics to Master Jack
