Ralph Jackson was trained as an oboist and composer and for the last 31 years has worked with classical composers and publishers at BMI, where he heads the classical music division. In 2001 he was elected President of the BMI Foundation, Inc. and has also served as the Director of the BMI Student Composer Awards since 1989.

Early in his career he won many composition awards and prizes from organizations such as BMI, ASCAP, The Texas Music Educators Association, and others. In 2007, the American Music Center honored him with a Letter of Distinction for his "significant contribution to the field of contemporary American music." In addition to the BMI Foundation, he also currently serves on the boards of the Charles Ives Society and MATA.

Originally from rural East Texas, Ralph moved to New York City in 1979, working briefly at G. Schirmer/Associated Music Publishers before joining BMI in 1980. His husband of 30+ years is classical guitarist and composer David Leisner and they live on the upper west side of Manhattan with their dog Ringo.