Deborah Bolling Jackson was born, raised, and educated in New York City. For over 30 years she was known as Debi B in the radio world where her voice was heard every Sunday on 107.5 WBLS co-hosting the Sunday Classics alongside her legendary husband, Hal Jackson. The Sunday Classics was rated #1 for well over ten years. Her sultry voice has tantalized and intrigued radio listeners for over three decades. The Sunday Classics had the largest listening audience in the history of Sunday radio and was the longest live broadcast in the country.
As an established photographer, producer and a philanthropist, she still wears many more hats. She is maintaining the legacy of Hal Jackson and Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens continuing to feed opportunities in education and entertainment for young black women all over the united states. A passion she continues to pursue.
For over 50 years, the Youth Development Foundation has awarded a minimum of $2,500,000 in scholarships and prizes to young women from around the world through the Hal Jackson Talented Teens International (HJTTI) scholarship program. She also served as a Producer of HJTTI, which showcased young talented women and gave them exposure to the music, film, and entertainment industries. While in the capacity as producer, the show had guest appearances by top recording and entertainment personalities such as the late Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Johnny Gill, Boyz II Men, Kool & the Gang, New Edition, Bobby Brown, and Alicia Keys. Some of the young women who have come through the ranks of HJTTI include the Honorable Reverend Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Taraji P. Henson, the late; Family Matters, co-star Michelle Thomas, actress, Jada Pinkett Smith, singers Meli’sa Morgan, Evelyn “Champagne” King CeCe Peniston and an impressive array of women who have moved the needle in the arts, entertainment industry, and politics.
This November she will be hosting alongside WBLS most notable personality and author, Dr. Bob Lee, A night of soul music with classic soul and R&B artist, Howard Hewett, the ladies of Sky, Jeff Redd and Melisa Morgan at the Bergen Pac Theatre in Bergen NJ. A portion of the proceeds will support the Youth Development Foundation.
IG: @debi.b.jackson