Jacko On Parade

[Aaron Jonah Lewis]

Does anyone have a clue as to who Jacko is and what parade is referred to in the title? My only guess is Jack-O-Lantern, but I don’t know if that was a tradition in England when this piece was written or what. Could Jacko have been a now-forgotten celebrity? Or a character from popular theater or literature? Perhaps it’s a slang term of the time for a certain type of person? I am going wild with speculation and I can only hope for a very plain and boring explanation. Please help, any information greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Aaron Jonah Lewis]

Wait, I know, don’t tell me — Jacko is a horse, right? ;)

[Trapdoor2]

Jacko was a famous Brit clown...but post Morley, I think.

[carrie horgan]

I think it refers to a military parade.  I'm English and Jacko doesn't have any connotations for me apart from as a nickname for Jack.  Hopefully, it's not a racial slur (Rastus on Parade, Jazzbo's Holiday...)

[Jody Stecher]

Carrie,  I seem to recall reading or hearing that Jazzbo was Tarrant Bailey Junior's pet dog and that parts of the tune  Jazzbo's Holiday depict him running in circles. 

carrie horgan said:

I think it refers to a military parade.  I'm English and Jacko doesn't have any connotations for me apart from as a nickname for Jack.  Hopefully, it's not a racial slur (Rastus on Parade, Jazzbo's Holiday...)

[Aaron Jonah Lewis]

Thank you for your responses. Whether or not I have a definitive answer I've certainly learned something new! I love these discussions and appreciate you all so much.

[carrie horgan]

Oh, okay thanks Jody.  I read it as slang for a sharply-dressed black man (apparently it also means a jazz-musician or fan so not necessarily derogatory).  

Jody Stecher said:

Carrie,  I seem to recall reading or hearing that Jazzbo was Tarrant Bailey Junior's pet dog and that parts of the tune  Jazzbo's Holiday depict him running in circles. 

carrie horgan said:

I think it refers to a military parade.  I'm English and Jacko doesn't have any connotations for me apart from as a nickname for Jack.  Hopefully, it's not a racial slur (Rastus on Parade, Jazzbo's Holiday...)

[Joel Hooks]

According to what TBJ told Eli Kaufman, Jazzbo was his dog’s name. The bridge rasp/ head thump was the dog chasing his tail.