Jackie Wilson

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2 Feb 2024

Jackie Wilson

Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. was an iconic American singer renowned for his contributions to the music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Known as "Mr. Excitement," Wilson played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of rhythm and blues into soul music. His electrifying performances established him as a master showman and one of the most captivating voices in the history of soul, R&B, and rock and roll.

Initially rising to fame as part of the R&B vocal ensemble Billy Ward and His Dominoes, Wilson embarked on a successful solo career in 1957. Throughout his career, he achieved remarkable success with over 50 chart-topping singles across various genres including R&B, rock 'n' roll, soul, doo-wop, and easy listening. His repertoire boasted 16 Top 10 R&B hits, six of which reached the number one spot. Additionally, Wilson's presence on the Billboard Hot 100 included 14 top 20 pop hits, six of which broke into the top 10.

In 1975, tragedy struck when Wilson suffered a heart attack during a performance, rendering him in a minimally conscious state until his passing in 1984. Despite his untimely demise, Wilson's enduring impact on music earned him numerous posthumous accolades. He was posthumously inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, along with receiving recognition from the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Further cementing his legacy, two of Wilson's recordings were enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. His profound influence and contribution to the music industry were honored with the Legacy Tribute Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2003. Wilson's remarkable talent and enduring influence were acknowledged by Rolling Stone, which ranked him at No. 69 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004, and included him among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. Moreover, NPR recognized him as one of the 50 Great Voices, solidifying his status as an icon in music history.

Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. came into the world on June 9, 1934, in Highland Park, Michigan, as the third child of Jack Leroy Wilson, Sr. and Eliza Mae Wilson. His upbringing was marked by the challenges of family dynamics, with his parents' separation occurring when he was just nine years old. Despite the difficulties, Wilson found solace in music from a young age, often singing alongside his mother, who was deeply involved in church choir activities.

During his formative years, Wilson's musical journey took shape as he joined the Ever Ready Gospel Singers, a quartet known for their performances in local churches. However, his adolescence was also marked by tumult, with Wilson engaging in risky behaviors, including alcohol consumption, and becoming entangled in the juvenile justice system, resulting in his departure from high school at the age of 15.

A turning point came when Wilson discovered boxing during his time in juvenile detention, competing in the Detroit amateur circuit at just 16 years old. Despite showing promise in the sport, Wilson's boxing career was cut short by his mother's insistence that he abandon it after she discovered his involvement. Compounded by the pressure of impending fatherhood, Wilson found himself marrying Freda Hood at the age of 17, thrust into adulthood and fatherhood at a remarkably young age.

Jackie Wilson's musical journey continued to evolve as he ventured into solo performances, initially at Lee's Sensation Club before forming the Falcons, a group that included his cousin Levi Stubbs, who would later gain fame as the lead vocalist for the Four Tops. The Falcons' lineup also included other talented individuals like Alonzo Tucker and Billy Davis, who would later collaborate with Wilson as a solo artist. Wilson's ties to his cousins extended further, with Hubert Johnson and Levi's brother Joe eventually joining the Contours, another notable group in the music scene.

His association with talent agent Johnny Otis led to his recruitment into the Thrillers, a group that eventually transformed into the Royals before becoming known as the Midnighters, although Wilson was not part of the group during its transition to the Midnighters. Under the management of Al Green, not to be confused with the renowned R&B singer, Wilson found himself immersed in Detroit's vibrant music scene, where he crossed paths with artists like LaVern Baker.

Wilson's stint with the Dominoes, where he replaced the legendary Clyde McPhatter, marked a significant chapter in his career. Initially known as Sonny Wilson, he adopted the stage name Jackie Wilson at the suggestion of Billy Ward, the group's manager. Despite initial hiccups, including Wilson's bold self-proclamation as "The shit" Wilson, he quickly adapted to Ward's vision for the group's sound, drawing inspiration from McPhatter's vocal techniques and stage presence.

Influenced by the likes of Clyde McPhatter and Roy Brown, Wilson's musical palette was diverse, with childhood influences ranging from the harmonies of the Mills Brothers to the soulful melodies of Louis Jordan. His tenure with the Dominoes spanned three years, during which the group navigated through challenges following McPhatter's departure.

Wilson's decision to embark on a solo career in 1957 marked a pivotal moment, paving the way for collaborations with his cousin Levi and securing performances at venues like Detroit's Flame Show Bar. With the support of Al Green, Wilson inked a deal with Decca Records' subsidiary label Brunswick, setting the stage for his remarkable journey as a solo artist.