There are many people in this world who achieve things. Goals... milestones... accomplishments. But it is a very rare few whose accomplishments change history. John Francis Pastorius III was one of those special few... a history maker. How fortunate to be able to claim "Jaco" as Northeast's own.

John Francis Pastorius III was known to the world simply as Jaco. Jaco was born in Norristown, PA but grew up right here in Oakland Park, FL. He was a proud graduate of Northeast High School where he developed his abilities and love for football, basketball, baseball and music. Musically, Jaco played in many local bands. One popular band with classmates was called the Las Olas Brass. Jaco progressed to playing with local legend Ira Sullivan, Wayne Cochran and Peter Graves. This aided him with his compositional skills as well as refining his bass playing virtuosity.

In 1973 at the age of 18, Jaco was teaching at the University of Miami. While at UM he made contact with many of the great music students who were going through the program at that time. One such person was Pat Metheny. Jaco made some of his first recordings with Pat. In the mid 70s he debuted his first solo album titled "Jaco Pastorius". It was an international hit and rocked the music world. Jaco's talents as a virtuoso bass player as well as a composer were destined to change how the electric bass was played.

Jaco was to become the recipient of numerous awards such as Downbeat's Hall of Fame (one of four bassist ever and the first electric bassist), many Grammys and "The Best Bass Player Who Has Ever Lived", so titled by the leading bass magazine of the day. He was a member of Weather Report, a historic modern jazz group. His extraordinary musical skill and his impact on jazz in the last part of the twentieth century has been compared to that of Charlie Parker.

In 1987 he was involved in an altercation at an after hours club in Wilton Manors. As a result, he suffered a brain hemorrhage, went into a coma and died several days later. His death left an big void in the heart of the music scene but many were and still are inspired by his energy, love for music and never-equaled virtuosity.

Many have since dedicated works in his honor. One notable CD is "Jaco the Early Years" by Bob Bobbing, a longtime friend. Another is the dedicated effort put forth by individuals instrumental in creating Jaco Pastorius Park in his hometown Oakland Park.