My name is Annica, and I'm organizing this fundraiser along side my mother (Hallie Hall) and close family and friends on behalf of Maurice Jacox, the father of my godmother (Karina Jacox). Recently, Maurice experienced a serious health scare and now needs support as he recovers, rebuilds, and works toward regaining his independence. Our goal is to help Maurice transition into a safe and comfortable setting and give him some stability as he gets back on his feet. Donations will help with housing and moving expenses, furniture, medical equipment and other needs during his recovery. My mother, Hallie Hall, is acting as the beneficiary of this fundraiser and will be responsible for transferring all funds raised directly to Maurice.

A close friend of Maurice's has beautifully captured his story and the impact he's had on the Twin Cities music community. I've shared those words below in hopes of bringing together everyone who knows and loves Maurice, along with those who have been touched by his music.

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This is former music journalist, former deejay, and current barfly Tom Surowicz, trying to raise a bit of sorely-needed money for my old buddy, Maurice Jacox. You know Maurice. The outstanding singer and bon vivant, a fixture of the Twin Cities music community for over six decades. The impassioned soul man best known as a charter member of West Bank Hall-of-Famers, Willie & The Bees. And more recently as the star of Maurice Jacox & We Still R.

Maybe you first encountered Maurice as the former focal point of The Butanes Soul Revue. Or as the crowdpleasing brightest light in the Lights Out Committee, Perhaps you’ve experienced the softer, quieter, more tender side of Mr. Jacox at one of his many jazz gigs, or at one of his surprising Nat King Cole tribute shows. Maurice can wail on Bobby Womack and Otis Clay gems one night, then turn around and get quietly sublime with his chamber group of two guitars and vibes the next evening.

In addition to his commanding old-school soul vocals, Maurice has also made his mark as a flautist and sax man. He’s collaborated with local legends (Willie Walker, Spider John Koerner, Nachito Herrera), and national stars (Bonnie Raitt, Earl King, Dr. John, even Bob Dylan on an unreleased recording).

Maurice recently turned 80, but it was not the happiest of birthdays. Instead of a big celebration, he had a stroke. It’s kept him off stages and wiped out the bulk of his income. He’s currently battling back, doing several hours of therapy a day in a rehab facility, looking to get resettled into assisted living. No one alive is more eager to get back under the bright lights of dark bars.

Meanwhile, the bills pile up. Over the course of his long career, Maurice has arguably played more fundraiser shows than anybody in town. “Back in the day, some people used to jokingly call us Willie & The Benefits,” he laughs. So it’s high time family and friends put together a fundraiser for Maurice Jacox himself. Lord knows, he’s had his fair share of health challenges – including cancer, spinal surgeries and now his second stroke – but he always manages to bounce back and soldier on. If you agree with me that Maurice is due for a benefit of his very own, give what you can. Thanks in advance!