Jackie Wilson was a dynamic and powerful soul performer during the 1950s and ’60s who successfully crossed over from rhythm and blues to pop music

Who Was Jackie Wilson? Jackie Wilson was a dynamic soul performer in the 1950s and ’60s who made a significant impact by crossing over from rhythm and blues to pop music, paving the way for future African American artists. He first rose to fame with the group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, joining them in 1953. By 1957, Wilson embarked on a solo career, releasing his first major hit, “Lonely Teardrops,” in 1958. His success continued with hits like “Night” in 1960, “Baby Workout” in 1963, and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” in 1967. Sadly, Wilson collapsed on stage in 1975 and spent the rest of his life in a coma, passing away in 1984. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Early Career Born Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. on June 9, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, Jackie Wilson emerged as one of the top singers of the 1950s and ’60s. With his appealing tenor voice and electrifying stage presence, he earned the nickname “Mr. Excitement” for his ability to captivate audiences.

Wilson began his musical journey singing gospel. As a teenager, he also enjoyed success as a Golden Gloves boxer. However, at his mother’s request, he left boxing to pursue a different path. In 1953, he joined Billy Ward and His Dominoes as the lead singer, replacing Clyde McPhatter and committing to a career in music.

Top R&B and Pop Singer In 1957, Wilson released his debut solo single, “Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Want to Meet).” He broke into the pop charts the following year with “To Be Loved.” In December 1958, Wilson achieved his first No. 1 R&B hit with “Lonely Teardrops,” a lively song of heartbreak that also reached the Top 10 on the pop charts.

Wilson continued to enjoy a string of successes, frequently hitting the charts with a variety of songs. In 1960, he showcased his passion for opera with “Night,” based on an aria from Samson and Delilah by Camille Saint-Saëns. That same year, Wilson topped the R&B charts with the ballad “Doggin’ Around.” In 1963, his song “Baby Workout” drove listeners to the dance floor and became another R&B chart-topper. His last major hit came in 1967 with “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.”

Death and Legacy On September 29, 1975, while performing “Lonely Teardrops” at a New Jersey nightclub, Wilson collapsed on stage. It was later determined that he had suffered a heart attack (some reports suggest it was a stroke). He slipped into a coma and never regained consciousness. By 1977, he was living in a retirement community in New Jersey, requiring constant care.

In 1978, Wilson’s family members engaged in a court battle over his guardianship. The court ultimately ruled in favor of his second wife, Harlean (Harris) Wilson, over his son, Tony Wilson, from his first marriage to Freda Hood. Jackie and Harlean had been estranged before his 1975 health crisis, but Harlean retained guardianship.

After eight years in a coma, Wilson passed away on January 21, 1984, in a Mount Holly, New Jersey hospital. He was only 49 years old. Three years later, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wilson’s influence extended to artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley.

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Jackie Wilson
• Birth Year: 1934
• Birth Date: June 9, 1934
• Birth State: Michigan
• Birth City: Detroit
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Jackie Wilson was a dynamic and powerful soul performer during the 1950s and ’60s who successfully crossed over from rhythm and blues to pop music.
• Industries: Rock, Pop, Television
• Astrological Sign: Gemini
• Interesting Facts: Jackie Wilson was a successful Golden Gloves boxer as a teenager and chose a different career path after his mother asked him to stop boxing.
• Death Year: 1984
• Death Date: January 21, 1984
• Death State: New Jersey
• Death City: Mount Holly
• Death Country: United States