Jack Gibson, affectionately known in the music entertainment industry as "Jockey Jack" and "Jack the Rapper," maintained a reputation of honesty, integrity and professionalism as a pioneer in Black Radio. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gibson starred in the first radio soap opera drama to feature an all-Black cast ("Here Comes Tomorrow") on WJJD in Chicago, 1945. In October 1949, Gibson participated in opening the first Black owned and operated radio station in America, Atlanta's WERD. In 1955, he founded the first organization for Blacks in radio, The National Association of Radio Announcers (NARA). In 1961, he put his innovative mind to work and developed a new design for radio control rooms. By elevating equipment (turntables, cart machines, etc.), disc jockeys were forced to stand, thereby greatly improving their voice projection. This style of control room design was widely copied worldwide. During his broadcasting career Jack could be heard up and down the dial at WLOU-Louisville, WMBM-Miami, WCIN-Cincinnati, and WABQ-Cleveland.

In 1962, Gibson "retired" from radio and became the first National Director of Promotions and Relations for Motown Records at the request of his good friend Berry Gordy; from 1966-1969 he was the Midwest Regional Manager for Decca records; and from 1969-1972 he worked with his friend Al Bell at Stax Records in Memphis, where he served as Vice-President in charge of Special Projects and was instrumental in getting the movie soundtrack of Shaft nominated for an Oscar.

Between 1966 and 1978, Gibson worked nonstop building a reputation for himself as a total professional, yet one with endearing human qualities. These 'people qualities' made him a friend and mentor to many figures in and outside the entertainment industry. In 1976, after having established an international network throughout the industry made up of radio stations, record label presidents, artists, musicians, and promotion people, Gibson launched his Jack the Rapper magazine. The early issues had a yellow cover and became affectionately know throughout the industry as "Jack the Rapper's Mello Yello." In 1995, the magazine added "Mello Yello" to the title. The magazine is the oldest Black trade publication targeted to Black radio.

In 1977, Gibson held the first gathering of Black music industry professionals and dubbed the event "Jack the Rapper's Family Affair Convention." For the next twenty years, the Family Affair Convention was a networking and resource mecca for the Black entertainment industry.

Gibson had many other career accomplishments, including leading a successful national campaign to move the bodies of Jackie Wilson and his mother from unmarked graves to a mausoleum. He also led an international campaign to "un-ban" Stevie Wonder's records in South Africa during Apartheid. Recognized for his passion and dedication, Gibson was the recipient of countless awards. He was honored by the Smithsonian Institution for his achievements as a pioneer in Black radio, and in 1988 was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame (Academy of Professonial Broadcasters). Gibson also appeared in numerous videos and movies including Pray with MC Hammer, Class Act with Kid 'N Play and Passenger 57 with Wesley Snipes.

Jack Gibson was more than a trailblazer in radio broadcasting; as an innovator, a leader, and mentor he was a man who changed the lives of many for the better. He is one of the foremost pioneers in Black radio and Black music, as well as a national treasure.