In 1974 she released the album 'Caught Up', which was a concept album based on a love triangle, with one side of the album telling the wife's story and the other that of the mistress. Backed by the Muscle Shoals rhythm section Jackson's interpretation of '(If Lovin' You Is Wrong) I Don't Wanna Be Right' was a fiery reading and highlighted the sexual tension that was often present in her songs. A follow-up, 'Still Caught Up' saw the concept taken to the brink of self-parody, and indicated the direction of Jacksons later work with more reliance on explicit lyrics. However, these two albums have been credited as early pre-cursors to rap music, with Jackson often including many spoken parts - because at her own admission she didn't think she was much of a singer.
The remainder of the '70's and the '80's saw no major changes to the formula, except a brief excursion into Country and Western, and a collaboration with Isaac Hayes. This collaboration led to an amusing quote regarding Hayes sexual prowess, with Jackson claiming he was an expert at giving a woman 'head'.
The biggest hit Jackson has managed in the UK was on a duet with Elton John, 'Act of War', which reached number 32 in 1985. Sadly, despite having an outstanding and distinctive voice, Millie Jackson has never really achieved the mainstream success she deserved. This in turn could be a result of her refusal to tone down the sexual aspects of her work, but it means any popularity she has gained was earned on her own terms.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE MILLIE JACKSON: Betty Davis, Isaac Hayes, Prince (the artist formerly known as . . ).