Paul Jackson is most associated with his career as part of Herbie Hancock's super jazz ensemble, Headhunters. Jackson started playing guitar for Anthony & the Imperials and other jazz artists like Bobby Hutcherson and Woody Shaw. He co-founded Headhunters with Hancock and co-wrote "Chameleon." His album Black Octopus was recorded during the Headhunters' 1978 tour of Japan and re-released in late 2000 on CD for the first time, with four bonus tracks.