35 Facts About Jesse Anderson

The Blues Singer: Jesse Anderson's Early Life and Career

Jesse Anderson, the blues singer, lived a life filled with music and creativity. His journey began in humble surroundings and led him to become a notable figure in the blues genre.

1. Early Life of the Blues Singer: Born on August 21, 1940, in Paris, Arkansas, Jesse Anderson grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At 14, his family moved to Wichita, Kansas.

2. Musical Beginnings: By 16, Anderson had relocated to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he joined soul singer Willie Wright. Despite being self-taught, he mastered both the guitar and saxophone.

3. Songwriting Career: Anderson's breakthrough came with the release of "I Got a Problem" in 1970. Co-written with Gene Barge, this single reached No. 35 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100.

4. Other Notable Songs: He penned and co-wrote several hits, including "Women's Liberation," "Ow, Wow Man," and "Let Me Back In." Collaborations with Fenton Robinson and Melvin Collins on "Somebody Loan Me a Dime" also stand out.

5. Touring with Blues Legends: Throughout his career, Anderson toured with blues icons like B.B. King, Etta James, and Otis Rush.

6. Personal Life: Later in life, Anderson battled diabetes and cancer. He passed away on July 3, 2014, in Wichita, Kansas, at 73.

7. Legacy in Music: Anderson's contributions to blues are celebrated in Patrick Joseph O'Connor's book "Wichita Blues: Community of Music," which features him among 19 African American musicians.

The Criminal: Jesse Anderson's Life and Crime

The second Jesse Anderson's life took a dark turn, leading to a tragic and violent end. His story is marked by crime, deception, and a notorious prison incident.

8. Early Life of the Criminal: Born on May 3, 1957, in Alton, Illinois, Anderson faced early tragedy when his father died of a heart attack during his teenage years. His mother remarried soon after.

9. Education and Career: Anderson graduated from Alton High School in 1975 and earned a Business Administration degree from Elmhurst College in 1984.

10. Marriage and Family: Anderson married Debra Ann Eickert in 1980, but they divorced in 1984. He then married Barbara E. Lynch on March 30, 1985, in Chicago. They had three children and lived in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

11. Murder of Barbara Anderson: On April 21, 1992, Anderson and his wife dined at a TGI Fridays near Northridge Mall in Milwaukee. After dinner, Anderson stabbed Barbara five times in the face and head, then stabbed himself four times in the chest. Barbara died two days later.

12. Staged Attack: Anderson claimed two black men attacked them, presenting a Los Angeles Clippers cap as evidence. However, a university student identified Anderson as the buyer of the cap, and store employees confirmed he purchased the red-handled fishing knife used in the murder.

13. Conviction and Sentence: Charged with murder on April 29, 1992, Anderson was convicted on August 13, 1992. He received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 60 years.

Life in Prison and Death

Jesse Anderson's time in prison was marked by violence and ultimately ended in a brutal attack by another inmate.

14. Life in Prison: While at Columbia Correctional Institution, Anderson and serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer were cleaning a restroom when Christopher Scarver, another inmate, attacked them with a steel bar.

15. Death of Jeffrey Dahmer: Scarver first attacked Dahmer, who died an hour after being taken to the hospital. Scarver then turned his attention to Anderson, bludgeoning him as well. Anderson died two days later after being removed from life support.

16. Motivation Behind Scarver's Actions: Scarver claimed his disgust over Dahmer's crimes against black people motivated his actions. He was also angered by Anderson's racist behavior, including defacing a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. in the prison arts and crafts room.

17. Public Reaction: Anderson's death received little media attention compared to the sensational coverage of Dahmer's demise. This overshadowed the tragic story of Barbara Anderson's murder and the subsequent events leading to Anderson's own death.

Comparing Two Lives

The two Jesse Andersons led vastly different lives, each leaving a unique mark on history.

18. Comparison of the Two Jesse Andersons: One was a talented musician who enriched the blues genre, while the other was a convicted murderer who met a tragic end in prison.

19. Legacy of the Blues Singer: The first Jesse Anderson's music continues to be celebrated, with his contributions recognized in various publications and books.

20. Legacy of the Criminal: The second Jesse Anderson is remembered for his heinous crime, leading to his wife's tragic death and his own demise.

21. Racial Hoax: Anderson's attempt to blame black men for his wife's murder exemplifies racial hoaxing, a tactic used to deflect attention and shift blame. This behavior was deeply disturbing and contributed to Scarver's motivation to attack him.

22. Psychological Analysis: Anderson's actions reveal a complex individual with deep-seated issues. His desire for a flawless marriage and dissatisfaction with Barbara's weight gain after her brother's death suggest underlying psychological problems.

23. Investigation Details: The investigation into Barbara's murder uncovered several incriminating pieces of evidence against Anderson. The purchase of the red-handled fishing knife and the fabricated story about black assailants were key factors in his conviction.

24. Media Coverage: Media coverage of both cases highlights the sensational nature of true crime stories. While the first Jesse Anderson's music career was largely overlooked, the second Jesse Anderson's tragic story was overshadowed by the more sensationalized account of Jeffrey Dahmer's life and death.

Prison Life and Racial Tensions

Life in prison for both Dahmer and Anderson was marked by isolation and violence, culminating in a fatal encounter.

25. Prison Life: Both Dahmer and Anderson experienced isolation and violence in prison. The lack of supervision during their cleaning duties created an environment ripe for conflict, leading to their tragic ends.

26. Christopher Scarver's Background: Scarver, the inmate who killed both Dahmer and Anderson, had a troubled past. His life sentence for killing his ex-boss during a robbery in 1990 set the stage for his actions in prison.

27. Racial Tensions: Racial tensions between Scarver and Dahmer highlight deep-seated issues within the prison system. Scarver's disgust over Dahmer's crimes against black people and his own racist behavior towards Anderson demonstrate complex dynamics at play.

28. Justice Served: In a twisted sense of justice, both Dahmer and Anderson faced their ultimate ends in prison. Scarver's actions brought closure to Barbara Anderson's murder, even if overshadowed by Dahmer's demise.

Public Perception and Historical Context

Understanding these events requires considering the broader social and historical context in which they occurred.

29. Public Perception: Media coverage shapes public perception. The sensational nature of true crime stories often overshadows the complexities of individual cases, leading to a distorted view of reality.

30. Historical Context: The 1990s were marked by heightened racial tensions and growing awareness of serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, contributing to the public's fascination with his story.

31. Psychological Impact: The psychological impact on those involved cannot be overstated. The trauma experienced by Barbara Anderson's family and Christopher Scarver's psychological state highlight devastating consequences.

32. Legal System: The legal system's handling of these cases raises questions about justice and fairness. Anderson's life sentence for his wife's murder, despite the possibility of parole after 60 years, underscores complexities within the justice system.

33. Media Influence: Media influence on public opinion is significant. The way stories are presented can shape public perception and influence how historical events are remembered.

34. True Crime Stories: True crime stories captivate audiences due to their sensational nature. However, they often overlook the complexities of individual cases and the broader social context.

35. Legacy and Impact: Both Jesse Andersons leave behind legacies reflecting their actions. The first Jesse Anderson's music continues to be celebrated, while the second Jesse Anderson's tragic story serves as a cautionary tale about violence and racial hoaxing.

Two Lives, One Name

Jesse Anderson's name carries two vastly different legacies. One Jesse Anderson, born in 1940, left a lasting mark on the blues genre with his soulful music and collaborations with legends like B.B. King and Etta James. His songs, like "I Got a Problem," continue to resonate with blues enthusiasts.

The other Jesse Anderson, born in 1957, is remembered for a tragic and violent chapter. Convicted of murdering his wife Barbara, his life ended in prison at the hands of fellow inmate Christopher Scarver. This Jesse's story is a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and racial hoaxes.

These two lives, though sharing a name, couldn't be more different. One brought joy through music, while the other left a trail of sorrow. Their stories highlight the complexities of human behavior and the impact of individual actions on society.