Andre was born in 1955 in Mesa Arizona, Grandson of sharecroppers, son of James and Arvesta Hodge; and third sibling of seven. Born with the name Jackie Andre Hodge. He uses Andre in his visual art to honor his mother; she gave him Andre – his middle name. He began teaching himself Bass Guitar in 1971. André became a member of the Black Theater Troupe in 1975, performing music for the theaters plays. André has performed with many local musicians and well-known musicians in opening acts. The summer of 1974 he went on his first road tour, after graduating high school. He became a member of the Nation of Islam in 1978. He is among the first group of young brothers and sisters who joined Minister Louis Farrakhan’s historic rise and historical rebirth of the Nation of Islam. 1983 he received his Holy name of Muhammad directly from Minister Louis Farrakhan and became known as Jackie Muhammad. He is a theology student, for which he gives the credit for his depths of creative vision.