Jackie Wilson, known for his electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals, firmly believed in engaging his audience in unconventional ways. Part of Wilson’s appeal lay in his audience interactions, which were unlike anything seen at the time. His practice of inviting “less attractive women” to the stage for a kiss was a calculated move; he once said, “if I get the ugliest girl in the audience to come up and kiss me, they’ll all think they can have me and keep coming back and buying my records.” It was this sort of unorthodox logic that set Wilson apart in an industry where image and public perception were everything.
Wilson, often referred to as “Mr. Excitement,” wasn’t just a masterful singer but also an extraordinary showman. He was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. This combination of vocal prowess and showmanship earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 1987, along with inductions into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. He was honored with the Legacy Tribute Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2003.
His career was marked by over 50 chart singles spanning various genres, including R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and doo-wop, and easy listening, with hits like “Lonely Teardrops” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” In addition to his recorded successes, he was also known for his captivating live performances that rarely failed to bring audiences to a frenzy.
Wilson was considered a trailblazer in his stagecraft, inspiring future icons like Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Presley himself reportedly admired Wilson, suggesting a mutual respect between the two legendary performers. Reportedly, when asked about this Presley said, “I guess that makes me the white Jackie Wilson.” Wilson also said he was influenced by Presley, saying, “A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man’s music, when in fact, almost every black solo entertainer copied his stage mannerisms from Elvis.”
Despite his tragic death on January 21, 1984, at the age of 49 from complications of pneumonia, Jackie Wilson’s legacy lives on.
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– Jackie Wilson