photo of Jacqueline Hairston

Jacqueline Hairston was inducted into the Culture & Art category in 2011.

My Story

Jacqueline Hairston is an accomplished pianist, composer and vocal coach whose works have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and singers, and whose teaching has helped launch some stellar musical careers. As a composer, Jacqueline has an affinity for spirituals and her arrangements have been performed by Leontyne Price, Kathleen Battle and other renowned vocalists. As the longtime head of the music department at Merritt College in Oakland she mentored scores of young musicians. Some went onto international fame, including Dwayne Wiggins of the pop group, Tony, Toni, Tone and Maxine Jones of the female R&B Group EnVogue.