Jackie Wilson - a name that might not be front of your mind today, but chances are you’ve heard at least one of his songs.
Born in Detroit in 1934, and rising to fame in the late ‘50s, he was one of the earlier pioneers of soul, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll.
A dynamic and charismatic performer, Wilson’s vocal range and control allowed him to sing and hold notes in an almost operatic style, but with a soulful touch of gospel and pop.
Pair that powerhouse voice with his stage moves and charm (which earned him the nickname Mr. Excitement), and you’ve got a rare talent whose helped change the music scene forever.
His upward trajectory started in 1957 when Wilson left the doo-wop group, The Dominoes, and began his solo career.
Partnering with Brunswick Records and songwriter Berry Gordy Jr, he found success with his debut single ‘Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet)’.
After a string of tracks created together, including the 1958 hits ‘To Be Loved’ and ‘Lonely Teardrops’ (which earned Wilson his first number one), Gordy would go on to found Motown Records in 1959.
One of the key inspirations behind the move is thought to be the sound they created and the success Wilson achieved, with Gordy using the royalties from their hit songs to launch the record label.
In Gordy’s 1994 autobiography, ‘To Be Loved,’ he had this to say of the musician,
“The greatest singer I’ve ever heard. The epitome of natural greatness… he set the standard I’d be looking for in singers forever.”
Makes you wonder - would the soul music scene have evolved the same way without this duo? Would that famous Detroit record label exist if there had been no Jackie Wilson?
Interestingly, Wilson never actually became part of Motown, reportedly due to the tight grip that Brunswick Records had on his career.
Despite this, Mr Excitement went on to influence several of the biggest musicians the world has ever seen.
To name a few, James Brown, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson. It could be said that Wilson’s groovy moves, charisma, and unique sound paved the way for them all.
Michael Jackson even dedicated his 1984 Album of the Year Grammy to him following Wilson’s death earlier that year, saying:
“Some people are entertainers and some people are great entertainers… Jackie Wilson was a wonderful entertainer. He's not with us anymore, but Jackie, wherever you are, I'd like to say, I love you and thank you so much."
A number of other artists have also paid tribute to Wilson over the years, and his name has been referenced in many songs, including Van Morrison’s ‘Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)’.
Although passing at just 49 years old, after a series of tragedies that included an on-stage heart attack, financial struggles and the deaths of three of his children, Wilson left us with plenty of tracks to carry his name.
Wilson’s voice remains unmatched, his songs still very much timeless hits today.
If you’re ever having a bad one, we highly recommend listening to some Jackie Wilson and belting out those lyrics.
First on the list is ‘To Be Loved’ - the vocal control alone will leave you in a good mood.
Exactly like Eddie Murphy’s Prince Akeem, who sings a rather out-of-tune rendition in ‘Coming to America’, it’s guaranteed to have you feeling on top of the world.
Now you know the name Jackie Wilson. And if you already did, then perhaps you’ve discovered something new to appreciate.
Happy listening, and may his music live on forever.
