Jackie Wilson | Artist
Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. was an American soul singer born 1934 in Highland Park, Michigan. Nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", Wilson was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was considered a master showman and one of the most dynamic singers and performers in soul, R&B, and rock and roll history. Although never a crossover superstar on par with the likes of Ray Charles, James Brown, or Sam Cooke, he was a consistent hitmaker from the mid-'50s through the early '70s. Tragically his career was cut short at the age of 41 when he suffered a heart attack while performing, falling into a coma for the remaining eight years of his life. Wilson began singing as a youth, accompanying his mother, an experienced church-choir singer. In his early teens, he joined the Ever Ready Gospel Singers. He dropped out of high school at 15, having been sentenced twice to detention in the Lansing Corrections system for juveniles. During his second stint in detention, he learned to box and began competing in the Detroit amateur circuit at age 16. Wilson began working at Lee's Sensation Club as a solo singer, then formed the Falcons group that included cousin Levi Stubbs, who later led the Four Tops. Wilson was discovered by talent agent Johnny Otis, and signed with National Records, alongside artists such as LaVern Baker, Johnnie Ray and Della Reese. In 1953 he joined the Dominoes to replace the popular Clyde McPhatter, who left to form the Drifters. Wilson was lead singer for three years, riding on the strength of the the group's earlier hits, until 1956 when they had hits with "St. Therese of the Roses", then "Stardust" and "Deep Purple" in 1957. Wilson left the Dominoes to start a solo career, collaborating with his cousin Levi Stubbs, and secured performances at Detroit's Flame Show Bar. Later he joined Decca Records, under its subsidiary label Brunswick. In the 18 years between 1958-76 Wilson released 25 studio albums and a raft of highly successful Singles. Standout albums include his solo debut He's So Fine (1958), Whispers (1966), Higher and Higher (1967), You Got me Walking (1971), Beautiful Day (1973), and his final album Nobody But You (1976). Wilson's performing energy, his dynamic dance moves, impassioned singing, and fashion sense, earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement". His stagecraft inspired James Brown, Teddy Pendergrass, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley, as well as a host of other artists. Presley was so impressed with Wilson that he set out to meet him, and they instantly became good friends. In fact Presley covered a large portion of Wilson's medical bills in the aftermath of his stage collapse. Wilson died on January 21, 1984, aged 49. He was initially buried in an unmarked grave at Westlawn Cemetery Detroit but fans organised a fundraiser to purchase a mausoleum. A ceremony was held on June 9, 1987, his 53rd birthday, and Wilson was interred in the mausoleum at Westlawn Cemetery in Wayne, Michigan.
Artist Website: wikipedia/Jackie_Wilson
Featured Albums: Jackie Wilson
Related Artists: The Dominoes, The Drifters, The Four Tops
