Wilson, Jackie (1934-1984), was one of the most magnetic singers of the late 1950’s and 1960’s. His singing combined smooth, gospel-influenced pop music with a rough, sexy rhythm and blues style. Wilson was popularly known as “Mr. Excitement.” During live performances, his dynamic movement combined with his singing often worked his audiences into a state of hysteria. Although Wilson was rooted in rhythm and blues, he became popular with both pop and rock music audiences.
Jack Leroy Wilson was born on June 9, 1934, in Detroit. He considered becoming a boxer while a teenager, but he quit the sport at his mother’s request. Wilson had sung as a boy, and he began performing in Detroit nightclubs after high school. He was discovered in a local talent show in 1951. In 1953, he replaced the famous rhythm and blues singer Clyde McPhatter in the singing group Billy Ward and the Dominoes.
Wilson began his solo career in 1957. His first hit recording was “Reet Petite” (1957). During the next 10 years, he recorded numerous hits, including “Lonely Teardrops” (1958), “That’s Why (I Love You So)” and “You Better Know It” ( both 1959), “Night” and “Doggin’ Around” (both 1960), “My Empty Arms” (1961), “Baby Workout” (1963), “Whispers (1966), and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” (1967).
In 1961, a jealous female fan shot and wounded Wilson. In 1975, he had a heart attack on stage during a concert in New Jersey. He suffered major brain damage and was an invalid for the remainder of his life. Wilson died on Jan. 21, 1984. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
