Jean Albert, AKA Captain Black Jack, was born in Banderas Bay in 1655, the only son of a peasant father and mother who died giving birth to him. His childhood was spent working, helping his father in the fields to sell crops that were then transported by the ships that arrived, including the most important pirate ships of the time, among them the Jolly Roger.

Tales and legends

In his free time, his father told Jean amazing stories about the Jolly Roger, the pirate ship navigated by Captain Black Bart that would often attack ships much larger in size. The Jolly Roger soon became one of the most feared pirate ships after capturing almost 500 ships in 3 years.

Jean Albert, AKA Captain Black Jack, was born in Banderas Bay in 1655, the only son of a peasant father and mother who died giving birth to him. His childhood was spent working, helping his father in the fields to sell crops that were then transported by the ships that arrived, including the most important pirate ships of the time, among them the Jolly Roger.

Teenage years

One day when he was about 13 years old, after he had gone to the port to sell his harvest for the day, he watched as the infamous Jolly Roger pirate ship made its way to port. By that time it was late in the afternoon and instead of going straight home, Jean waited to see for himself if all the stories his father had told him were true. He hid behind some barrels and watched the crew as they descended, then jumped aboard the ship to explore the vessel.

Night fell fast and as he fumbled in the captain’s cabin, he tried to take out a small but striking chest located on a high shelf to see what was inside. The chest was heavier than it looked and it fell onto his head leaving him unconscious. Hours later, when he opened his eyes, he was face to face with Captain Black Bart.

Slave to an idol

Caught red-handed by Captain Black Bart, Jean tried to explain what had happened and began to ask the captain whether all his adventures were true. Captain Black Bart affirmed that indeed the legends about him were justified and added more details that left Jean even more shocked by the adventures of the Jolly Roger. After the conversation came to an end, Jean remembered where he was and asked permission to leave as he had to get back home to his father. Captain Black Bart gave a sarcastic laugh before telling him that the ship had sailed hours ago. His punishment for having delved where he should not was to become the Captain’s new slave.

Updated May 30, 2019 Samuel 'Black Sam' Bellamy (ca.1689-1717) was an English pirate captain who terrorized the Caribbean for a few months in 1716-1717. He was captain of the Whydah, one of the most formidable pirate ships of the age. Weigh the odds and place your bets - it's 21 or bust! Count on a fun online game of Blackjack. Play for free online!

Peasant to Slave to Crew

Years passed and little by little Jean went from being a slave to being a fundamental part of the crew. He learned how to fight with swords and all kinds of combat techniques from his comrades and Captain Black Bart took particular care to train the young boy. After seven years aboard the Jolly Roger pirate ship—which continued to be the most famous vessel sailing the seven seas—, the time came to make Jean Captain Black Bart’s right hand man. Jean had earned the captain’s trust and respect from all the crew onboard.

Misfortune awaits

During an attack on another vessel, a few miles off the coast of Panama, Captain Black Bart was fatally injured, causing him to die on the spot. Despite the significant loss of their captain, the Jolly Roger and her crew triumphed in the battle, and Jean Albert took over as captain and changed his name to Black Jack in memory of his greatest inspiration in life.

Barba Loca

With the vessel severely damaged, they managed to reach a fishing port, where they met a man who called himself Barba Loca and had a great fondness for rum. He agreed to help them, offering to take the ship to an island where they could fix it. Several weeks passed before the Jolly Roger was fully repaired and ready to sail again, time in which Barba Loca and Black Jack spent hours locked up drinking rum and managing to form a deep friendship that would last through the years.

The rescue of Carlota

As their adventures began in the Caribbean, they came across a small lifeboat drifting with the currents. The boat carried Carlota, otherwise known as Malica Salvatore Arvalles, daughter of the best swordsman in Spain, and a shaman, the infamous witchdoctor of the Caribbean. The unlikely pair were rescued and held prisoners, later becoming part of the crew.

After a number of years and many battles behind them, Carlota was named Captain Black Jack’s right hand. She earned the respect of the Captain and crew, and learned even more great combat techniques from Stingray Jones who was appointed as lieutenant. The shaman was given the position of guardian and healer on board.

The curse

In one of many adventures, the Jolly Roger’s captain stole a treasure that possessed a curse which left its victim destined to a slow living death, turning Jack Black into a large marine rock over time. The transformation was destined to reach completion after 120 full moons. Despite his wealth of knowledge and skills, the shaman was unable to break the curse on his own and needed to find a totem that is amongst the treasure of the Golden Fleece found in the Bay of Hope on Cocos Island.

Jack Black Pirate Movie

Blackbeard, Calico Jack, William Kidd and more famous pirates

This section is dedicated to the some of the most famous names among pirates, mostly during 16th and 17th centuries in the Caribbean.

Anne Bonny

Bonny was a strong, independent woman, who became a respected pirate in a predominantly male society.

Bartholomew Roberts

He was the last great pirate of the golden age who plundered more than 400 ships. His boldness and abilities made him one of the most successful pirates.

Benjamin Hornigold

A man who was a privateer, pirate and pirate hunter during his career. He is also well-known because his apprentice and partner was Blackbeard.

Blackbeard

These are facts about the notorious captain and certainly most famous pirate of all time. His deeds, behavior and a terrifying image made him a perfect villain, who harassed many ships in Caribbean.

Calico Jack

A typical small-time pirate, whose fame comes from the fact that two of the most famous woman pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read sailed under his flag.

Charles Vane

A very skillful pirate who was brave enough to stand against the mighty governor, Woodes Rogers. However, a couple of unfortunate events ended his career sooner than he expected.

Cheung Po Tsai

An infamous pirate, mostly known because of a legend about his hidden treasure in Cheung Po Tsai Cave in Cheung Chau Island.

Edward England

This Irishman was a successful pirate, who captured many ships. However, his kindness and not-so-pirate attitude prevented him to become even greater.

Edward Low

Many stories from the famous Golden Age of Piracy tell the tales of notorious pirate captains, but none can claim that Edward Low was not one of the vilest and cruelest pirate captains of that time. Here you can find out more about his life, from the early age of crime to the heights and lows of his pirate career.

Grace O'Malley

One of the most famous female pirates of all time is without a doubt Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish noblewoman who spent the majority of her life at sea. Here you can find out more information about her interesting life.

Henry Every

Every was one of the rare pirates who chose to retire from piracy and lived rest of his life as a rich man.

Howell Davis

The intelligent pirate, who often used trickery instead of relying only on arms and firepower.

Mary Read

This unfortunate girl spent most of her life pretending to be a man. She was treated as woman only on one occasion.

Paulsgrave Williams

Paulsgrave Williams became a pirate at a very old age. Many people think that he was just looking for some excitement.

Samuel Bellamy

Known facts about Samuel Bellamy’s pirate career and his famous love story, which inspired many writers.

Stede Bonnet

Stede Bonnet was a former major and wealthy man who suddenly turned to piracy. He became famous despite the fact that he was inexperienced and incompetent pirate.

Thomas Tew

“Specially wicked and ill-disposed pirate”.

Turgut Reis

Turgut Reis was one of the most famous and celebrated Ottoman naval commanders, who commanded over much of Mediterranean during 16th century. Here you can find out more about his military conquest, interesting life, and legacy that he left for the future.

William Kidd

Captain Kidd was a successful privateer who became pirate thanks to a couple of unfortunate events. The stories about his buried treasure made him even more popular.

Sayyida al Hurra

Sayyida al Hurra as one of the most important female figures of the Islamic West was a queen of Tétouan (1515-1542) and also pirate queen of the western Mediterranean.

Emanuel Wynn

Emanuel Wynn was a French pirate active in the beginning 18th century. Today he is probably most knows as the first pirate to fly the Jolly Roger.

Peter Easton

Peter Easton is one of the most successful pirates of the early 17th century who even managed to retire and spend his treasure in peace. During his short career on the sea, he managed to amass the vast fleet of pirate ships that became stronger than any military might that roamed Atlantic.

Richard Worley

Richard Worley was a pirate who operated in the in the Caribbean Sea and the east coast of the American colonies. He was responsible for creating and popularizing one of the most popular pirate flag designs of all time that today everyone recognizes.

Ching Shih

Ching Shih known as Cheng I Sao was the most powerful and successful female pirate in history. She was prominent pirate in middle Qing China, who operated around the China Sea in the early 19th century.

Christopher Contend

Christopher Condent was a famous pirate in the area of Bahamas and later Madagascar. He is one of the few famous pirates who lived to tell the tale.

Christopher Moody

Biography of Christopher Moody, famous pirate who was known for his leave no prisoners alive policy and unique Jolly Roger Flag with red and gold colors, instead of traditional black and white.

Famous Buccaneers

Buccaneers were pirates who attacked coastal cities and Spanish ships in the Caribbean Sea during the 17th century. A high esprit among Buccaneer crews combined with overwhelming numbers, allowed them to win battles and raids. Read more about famous Buccaneers.

Christopher Myngs

Myngs was a Royal Navy sailor, who helped England to defend Jamaica from the Spaniards. He had a big influence on many successful buccaneers.

Francois L'Ollonais

The Frenchman was the cruelest buccaneer that ever lived. With his fleet, he managed to conquer several big Spanish towns.

Henry Morgan

Morgan was certainly the most famous buccaneer, a great leader and a hero of England. A man who was so brave and successful that even his enemies praised him.

Famous Privateers

While the actual work of pirates and privateers was almost the same, the distinction was that governments often indiscriminately granted authorization for privateering to a variety of ships. Read more about famous privateers.

Sir Francis Drake

One of the most notable sailors and naval commanders of the sixteenth century. One of the most notable sailors and naval commanders of the sixteenth century.

Jean Laffite

Famous American hero, privateer, merchant, smuggler, slave trader…

Woodes Rogers

Blackjack Pirates Of The Caribbean Online

The English privateer who later became the governor of the Bahamas. He took a big part in suspiring piracy from the Caribbean.