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Jackie Wilson, Soul Singer born

Jackie Wilson

*On this date, in 1934, Jackie Wilson was born. He was a Black soul singer.

Born Jack Leroy Wilson in Detroit, Michigan, he gained fame in the R&B arena during his early years. In 1953, he replaced Clyde McPhatter in the Billy Ward & the Dominoes group, one of the top R&B vocal groups of the '50s. Wilson had his first big R&B hit in late 1956 with 'Reet Petite,' Detroit songwriter Berry Gordy, Jr. co-wrote.  Gordy would also help write a few other hits for Wilson in the late '50s: To Be Loved, Lonely Teardrops, That's Why (I Love You So), and I'll Be Satisfied.

In the early '60s, Wilson maintained his pop stardom with regular hit singles that often used horn arrangements and female choruses. He also ventured into out-and-out operatic pop on songs such as "Danny Boy" and one of his biggest hits, "Night" (1960). Additionally, during this time, he released "Baby Workout," a #5 hit for him in 1963. Wilson was shot and seriously wounded by a female fan in 1961, though he made a recovery. His resume in the mid-'60s also included No Pity (In the Naked City).

In 1966, his career took a significant step forward when he teamed up with producer Carl Davis, who successfully updated his sound with horn-heavy arrangements, reaching the Top Ten with "Whispers" and then peaking at #6 in 1967 with "Higher and Higher." While playing a Dick Clark oldies show at the Latin Casino in New Jersey in September 1975, Wilson suffered an on-stage heart attack while singing Lonely Teardrops. He lapsed into a coma, suffered significant brain damage, and was hospitalized until his death on Jan 21, 1984, in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

Jackie Wilson was one of the most influential performers of the transition from rhythm & blues into soul.

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