Editing Jackie Wilson

{{Short description|American soul, R&B, and rock and roll singer (1934–1984)}}
{{About||the British author|Jacqueline Wilson|the American boxer|Jackie Wilson (boxer)}}
{{Other people|Jack Wilson}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist 
| name            = Jackie Wilson
| image           = Jackie Wilson 1961.jpg
| caption         = Wilson in 1961
| birth_name      = Jack Leroy Wilson Jr.
| alias           = Mr. Excitement
| birth_date      = {{Birth date|1934|06|09}}
| birth_place     = [[Highland Park, Michigan]], U.S.
| death_date      = {{Death date and age|1984|01|21|1934|06|09}}
| death_place     = {{nowrap|[[Mount Holly, New Jersey]], U.S.}}
| genre           = {{hlist|[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]|[[Soul music|soul]]|[[pop music|pop]]|[[rock and roll]]|[[doo-wop]]}}
| occupation      = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter}}
| years_active    = 1953–1975
| label           = {{hlist|[[Dee Gee Records|Dee Gee]]|[[King Records (United States)|King]]|[[Federal Records|Federal]]|[[Brunswick Records|Brunswick]]}}
}}

'''Jack Leroy Wilson Jr.''' (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984), known professionally as '''Jackie Wilson''', was an American singer who was a prominent figure in the transition of [[rhythm and blues]] into [[Soul music|soul]]. Nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", he was considered a master showman and one of the most dynamic singers and performers in soul, R&B, and rock and roll history.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/644711/Jackie-Wilson|title=Jackie Wilson (American singer)|encyclopedia=Britannica.com|access-date=December 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p5843}}</ref>  

Born in the [[Detroit]] enclave of [[Highland Park, Michigan|Highland Park]], Michigan, Wilson gained initial fame as a member of the R&B vocal group [[Billy Ward and His Dominoes]]. He went solo in 1957 and scored over 50 chart singles spanning the genres of [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]], rock 'n' roll, soul, [[doo-wop]], and [[easy listening]]. This included 16 Top 10 R&B hits, six of which ranked as number ones. On the ''[[Billboard charts|Billboard]]'' Hot 100, Wilson scored 14 top 20 pop hits, six of which reached the top 10. In 1975, Wilson suffered a heart attack during a performance, which left him in a [[minimally conscious state]] until his death in 1984.

Wilson was posthumously inducted to the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 1987.<ref name=":0" /> He is also inducted into the [[Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame|National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame]]. Two of Wilson's recordings were inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]] in 1999. He was honored with the Legacy Tribute Award from the [[Rhythm and Blues Foundation]] in 2003.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2002/12/prweb51997.htm|title=THE RHYTHM & BLUES FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES HONOREES FOR THE 13TH ANNUAL PIONEER AWARDS GALA CELEBRATION SET FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 IN NEW YORK|website=Prweb.com|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-date=November 14, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051114113912/http://prweb.com/releases/2002/12/prweb51997.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2004, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked Wilson No. 69 on its [[Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time|list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time]], and placed him on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time (2023).<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939214/the_immortals_the_first_fifty |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316103016/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939214/the_immortals_the_first_fifty/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 16, 2006 |title=100 Greatest Artists of All Time |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/ |access-date=August 19, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> [[NPR]] named him one of the [[50 Great Voices]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jackie Wilson: The Singer and The Showman |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125019270 |website=NPR}}</ref>

==Life and career==

===Early years ===
Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. was born on June 9, 1934 in [[Highland Park, Michigan]], the third and only surviving child of Eliza Mae Wilson (1900–1975) and singer Jack Leroy Wilson, Sr. (1903–1983). Eliza Mae was born on the Billups-Whitfield Place in [[Lowndes County, Mississippi]] to Virginia and Tom Ransom. Wilson often visited his family in [[Columbus, Mississippi|Columbus]] and was greatly influenced by the choir at Billups Chapel. Growing up in the suburban Detroit enclave of [[Highland Park, Michigan|Highland Park]], Wilson joined a gang called the Shakers and often got himself into trouble. His alcoholic father was frequently absent and usually unemployed, and in 1943 the Wilsons separated shortly after Jackie's ninth birthday. 

Jackie Wilson began singing as a youth, accompanying his mother, an experienced church-choir singer. In his early teens he joined the Ever Ready Gospel Singers, who gained popularity in local churches. Wilson was not very religious, but he enjoyed singing in public. The money the quartet earned from performing was often spent on alcohol, and Wilson began drinking at an early age.<ref name="history-of-rock.com">{{cite web|url=http://history-of-rock.com/jackie_wilson.htm |title=Jackie Wilson |website=History-of-rock.com |access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref>

Wilson dropped out of high school at 15, having been sentenced twice to detention in the [[Lansing Correctional Facility|Lansing Corrections]] system for juveniles. During his second stint in detention, Wilson learned to [[boxing|box]] and began competing in the Detroit amateur circuit at age 16.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Singer-songwriter Jackie Wilson, whose 1958 best-seller 'Lonely Teardrops' made...|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/01/22/Singer-songwriter-Jackie-Wilson-whose-1958-best-seller-Lonely-Teardrops-made/3213443595600/|date=January 22, 1984|website=UPI|language=en}}</ref> His record in the [[Golden Gloves]] was 2 and 8. After his mother forced him to quit boxing,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tqWrDEodw| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725023742/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tqWrDEodw&feature=related| archive-date=July 25, 2013 | url-status=dead|title=Jackie Wilson - The Man Behind The Music - Rare Interview|access-date=June 16, 2021|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Wilson got his girlfriend Freda Hood pregnant and her father forced him to marry her. He became a father at 17.

=== Early career ===
Wilson began working at Lee's Sensation Club as a solo singer,<ref name="Honkers And Shouters 1978">Arnold Shaw, ''Honkers And Shouters. The Golden Years of Rhythm And Blues''. New York: Crowell-Collier Press, 1978.</ref> then formed a group called the Falcons that included cousin [[Levi Stubbs]], who later led the [[Four Tops]]. (Two more of Wilson's cousins, Hubert Johnson and Levi's brother Joe, later became members of [[the Contours]].) The other Falcons joined [[Hank Ballard]] as part of [[the Midnighters]],<ref>Shaw, ''Honkers And Shouters'', 1978, p. 442.</ref> including Alonzo Tucker and [[Billy Davis (guitarist)|Billy Davis]], who worked with Wilson several years later as a solo artist. Tucker and Wilson collaborated as songwriters on a few songs Wilson recorded, including his 1963 hit "[[Baby Workout]]".

Wilson was discovered by talent agent [[Johnny Otis]], who recruited him for a group called the Thrillers. That group evolved into [[The Royals (group)|the Royals]] (who later became R&B group, [[the Midnighters]], though Wilson was not part of the group when it changed its name and signed with [[King Records (USA)|King Records]]). Wilson signed on with manager Al Green (not to be confused with R&B singer [[Al Green]] or Albert "Al" Green of the now-defunct [[National Records]]). Green, who also managed [[LaVern Baker]], [[Little Willie John]], [[Johnnie Ray]], and [[Della Reese]], owned two music publishing companies, Pearl Music and Merrimac Music; and Detroit's Flame Show Bar, where Wilson met Baker.

After Wilson recorded his first version of "[[Danny Boy]]" and a few other tracks on [[Dizzy Gillespie]]'s record label [[Dee Gee Records]] under his nickname, Sonny Wilson, he was eventually hired by Billy Ward in 1953 to join a group Ward formed in 1950 called [[Billy Ward and His Dominoes|the Dominoes]], after Wilson's successful audition to replace the immensely popular [[Clyde McPhatter]], who left the Dominoes and formed [[the Drifters]].<ref name=pc3>{{Pop Chronicles|3|2}}</ref> Wilson almost blew his chance that day, showing up calling himself "The shit" Wilson and bragging about being a better singer than McPhatter.<ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLgqFaYmgw8C&pg=PA144|last=Gulla|first=Bob|title=Icons of R&B and Soul: Volume 1|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2008|isbn=9780313340444|access-date=April 30, 2012}}</ref>

Billy Ward felt a stage name would better fit the Dominoes' image, hence ''Jackie'' Wilson. Before leaving the Dominoes, McPhatter coached Wilson on the sound Billy Ward wanted for his group, influencing Wilson's singing style and stage presence. "I learned a lot from Clyde, that high-pitched choke he used and other things{{nbsp}}... Clyde McPhatter was my man. Clyde and Billy Ward."<ref name="Honkers And Shouters 1978"/> 1940s blues singer [[Roy Brown (blues musician)|Roy Brown]] was also a major influence on him, and Wilson grew up listening to [[the Mills Brothers]], [[the Ink Spots]], [[Louis Jordan]] and [[Al Jolson]].

Wilson was the group's lead singer for three years, but the Dominoes lost some of their stride with the departure of McPhatter. They made appearances riding on the strength of the group's earlier hits, until 1956 when the Dominoes recorded Wilson with an interpretation of the pop hit "St. Therese of the Roses", giving the Dominoes another brief moment in the spotlight. (Their only other post-McPhatter/Wilson successes were "Stardust", released July 15, 1957, and "Deep Purple", released October 7, 1957.<ref>"Billboard Top Forty", {{ISBN|0-8230-8280-6}}, et al.</ref>) In 1957 Wilson began a solo career, left the Dominoes, collaborated with his cousin Levi, and secured performances at Detroit's Flame Show Bar. Later, Al Green secured a deal with [[Decca Records]], and Wilson was signed to its subsidiary label [[Brunswick Records|Brunswick]].

===Solo stardom===
[[File:Jackie Wilson.png|thumb|Wilson in 1966]]
Shortly before Wilson signed a solo contract with Brunswick, Green suddenly died. Green's business partner [[Nat Tarnopol]] took over as Wilson's manager (and ultimately rose to president of Brunswick). Wilson's first single was released, "[[Reet Petite]]" (from his first album ''He's So Fine''), which became a modest R&B success (many years later, an international smash hit). "Reet Petite" was co-written by future [[Motown]] Records founder [[Berry Gordy|Berry Gordy Jr.]] (another former boxer who was a native son of Detroit),<ref name=pc25>{{Gilliland |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19780/m1/ |title=Show 25 – The Soul Reformation: Phase two, the Motown story. [Part 4]}}</ref> with partner [[Billy Davis (songwriter)|Roquel "Billy" Davis]] (using the pseudonym Tyran Carlo) and Gordy's sister [[Gwen Gordy Fuqua|Gwendolyn]]. The trio composed and produced six additional singles for Wilson: "To Be Loved", "I'm Wanderin{{'"}}, "We Have Love", "[[That's Why (I Love You So)]]", "[[I'll Be Satisfied]]", and Wilson's late-1958 signature song, "[[Lonely Teardrops]]", which peaked at No. 7 on the pop charts, ranked No. 1 on the R&B charts in the U.S., and established Wilson as an R&B superstar known for his extraordinary, operatic multi-octave vocal range.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19767/m1/ |title=Show 17 – The Soul Reformation: More on the evolution of rhythm and blues. [Part 3&#93; : UNT Digital Library |website=Digital.library.unt.edu |access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> Wilson's  "Lonely Teardrops" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a [[music recording sales certification|gold disc]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book
| first= Joseph
| last= Murrells
| year= 1978
| title= The Book of Golden Discs
| edition= 2nd
| publisher= Barrie and Jenkins Ltd
| location= London
| page= [https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/120 120]
| isbn= 0-214-20512-6
| url= https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/120
}}</ref>
Wilson's fervor when performing, his dynamic dance moves, impassioned singing, and fashion sense, earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement", a moniker that remained throughout his career. His stagecraft in his live shows inspired [[James Brown]], [[Teddy Pendergrass]], [[Michael Jackson]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esquire.com/the-side/opinion/michael-jackson-obituary-062609|title=Michael Jackson: The First Punk, the King at Last  |last=Junod |first=Tom |date=June 29, 2009|website=Esquire|access-date=December 30, 2009}}</ref> and [[Elvis Presley]], as well as a host of other artists that followed. Presley was so impressed with Wilson that he set out to meet him, and the two instantly became good friends. In a photo of the two posing together, Presley's caption in the autograph reads "You got you a friend for life". Wilson was sometimes called "The Black Elvis".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Miller|first=James|title=Flowers in the Dustbin: The Rise of Rock and Roll, 1947–1977|publisher=Fireside|date=September 19, 2000|page=160|isbn=0-684-86560-2}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/quotes/aboutelvis.asp|title=Quotes By and About Elvis|website=Elvis.com|access-date=December 30, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102180030/http://elvis.com/elvisology/quotes/aboutelvis.asp|archive-date=January 2, 2010}}</ref>

Wilson's powerful, electrifying live performances rarely failed to bring audiences to a state of frenzy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.loti.com/fifties_music/jackie_wilson.htm|title=Jackie Wilson: Mr. Excitement – A R&B Pioneer and Balladeer|last=Cox|first=Erica|website=Loti.com|access-date=December 30, 2009}}</ref> His live performances consisted of knee-drops,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/resnikmusicgroup/jackie-wilson-all-my-love |title=Jackie Wilson – All My Love by Resnik Music Group &#124; Free Listening on SoundCloud |website=Soundcloud.com |access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://alchemyandaccident.wordpress.com/tag/jackie-wilson/ |title=Jackie Wilson &#124; Alchemy & Accident |website=Alchemyandaccident.wordpress.com |access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref> splits, spins, back-flips,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gainformer.com/files/Entertianment%20Folder/jackie%20wilson%20Entertainment%20profile.html |title=Entertainment Profile: Jackie Wilson |website=Gainformer.com |access-date=August 18, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020417/http://www.gainformer.com/files/Entertianment%20Folder/jackie%20wilson%20Entertainment%20profile.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gnXQSqTx2h0C&q=Jackie+Wilson+back+flips&pg=PT261 |title=African Americans in the Performing Arts – Steven Otfinoski – Google Books |via=Google Books |isbn=9781438128559 |access-date=August 18, 2015|last1=Otfinoski |first1=Steven |year=2010 |publisher=Infobase }}</ref> one-footed across-the-floor slides, removing his tie and jacket and throwing them off the stage, basic boxing steps like advance and retreat shuffling,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BrEDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA14 |magazine=Jet|title=Jackie Wilson Mourned By 1,500 During Funeral At Baptist Church In Detroit |date=February 13, 1984 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|access-date=April 30, 2012}}</ref> and one of his favorite routines, getting some of the less attractive women in the audience to come up to the stage and kiss him. Wilson often 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."<ref>Arnold Shaw, Honkers And Shouters. The Golden Years Of Rhythm And Blues. New York: Crowell-Collier Press, 1978, pg. 442.</ref>

Wilson was a regular on TV, making regular appearances on such shows as ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'', ''[[American Bandstand]]'', ''[[Shindig!]]'', ''[[Shivaree (TV series)|Shivaree]]'' and ''[[Hullabaloo (TV series)|Hullabaloo]]''. His only movie appearance was in the rock and roll film ''[[Go, Johnny, Go!]]'', where he performed his 1959 hit song "You Better Know It".<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://history-of-rock.com/jackie_wilson.htm|title=Jackie Wilson|website=History-of-rock.com|access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref>

In 1958, Davis and Gordy left Wilson and Brunswick after royalty disputes escalated between them and Nat Tarnopol. Davis soon became a successful staff songwriter and producer for [[Chess Records]], while Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and used money he earned from royalties writing for Wilson to start his own recording studio, [[Hitsville USA]], the foundation of [[Motown Records]] in his native Detroit. Meanwhile, convinced that Wilson could venture out of R&B and [[rock and roll]], Tarnopol had the singer record operatic ballads and easy-listening material, pairing him with Decca Records' veteran arranger Dick Jacobs.

Wilson scored hits as he entered the 1960s with the No. 15 "Doggin' Around", the No. 4 pop ballad "[[Night (Jackie Wilson song)|Night]]", another million-seller,<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs 2">{{cite book
| first= Joseph
| last= Murrells
| year= 1978
| title= The Book of Golden Discs
| edition= 2nd
| publisher= Barrie and Jenkins Ltd
| location= London
| page= [https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/130 130]
| isbn= 0-214-20512-6
| url= https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/130
}}</ref> and "[[Baby Workout]]", another Top 10 hit (No. 5), which he composed with [[The Midnighters]] member Alonzo Tucker. His songwriting alliance with Tucker also turned out other songs, including "No Pity (In The Naked City)" and "I'm So Lonely."<ref name="LarkinSM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Soul Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1993|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-733-9|pages=300/2}}</ref> Top 10 hits continued with "[[Alone at Last (song)|Alone at Last]]" (No. 8 in 1960) and "My Empty Arms" (No. 9 in 1961).

Also in 1961, Wilson recorded a tribute album to [[Al Jolson]], ''Nowstalgia&nbsp;... You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet'', which included the only album liner notes he ever wrote: "...&nbsp;to the greatest entertainer of this or any other era&nbsp;... I guess I have just about every recording he's ever made, and I rarely missed listening to him on the radio&nbsp;... During the three years I've been making records, I've had the ambition to do an album of songs, which, to me, represent the great Jolson heritage&nbsp;... This is simply my humble tribute to the one man I admire most in this business&nbsp;... to keep the heritage of Jolson alive."<ref>Giddins, Gary. ''Rhythm-a-ning: Jazz Tradition and Innovation'', Da Capo (2000), pgs 148–149</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lkCOor91yo|title=Jackie Wilson's Tribute to Al Jolson|via=YouTube|access-date=December 30, 2009}}</ref> The album was a commercial failure.

Following the success of "Baby Workout", Wilson experienced a lull in his career between 1964 and 1966 as Tarnopol and Brunswick Records released a succession of unsuccessful albums and singles. Despite the lack of sales success, Wilson still made artistic gains as he recorded an album with [[Count Basie]], as well as a series of duets with R & B artist [[LaVern Baker]] and [[Gospel music|gospel singer]] [[Linda Hopkins]].

In 1966, Wilson scored the first of two big comeback singles with the established [[Chicago soul]] producer [[Carl Davis (record producer)|Carl Davis]] with "Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" and "[[(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher]]", the latter a No. 6 pop hit in 1967 that became one of his final hits.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> "[[I Get the Sweetest Feeling]]",<ref name="LarkinSM"/> despite its modest initial chart success in the U.S. (Billboard Pop No. 34), has since become one of his biggest international chart successes, ranking in Top 10 twice in the UK (in 1972 and 1987), and in the Top 20 of the [[Dutch Top 40]]. "I Get the Sweetest Feeling" spawned numerous cover versions by other artists such as [[Edwin Starr]], [[Will Young]], [[Erma Franklin]] ([[Aretha Franklin]]'s sister) and [[Liz McClarnon]].

A key to Wilson's musical rebirth was Davis insisting that he no longer record with Brunswick's musicians in New York; instead, he recorded with Detroit musicians normally employed by [[Motown Records]] and also Davis' own Chicago-based session players.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> The Detroit musicians, known as [[the Funk Brothers]], participated on Wilson's recordings due to their respect for Davis and Wilson.

By 1975, Wilson and [[the Chi-Lites]] were the only significant artists left on Brunswick's roster. Wilson had continued to record singles that found success on the R&B chart, but found no significant pop-chart success. His final hit, "You Got Me Walkin{{'"}}, written by [[Eugene Record]] of the Chi-Lites, was released in 1972 with the Chi-Lites backing him on vocals and instruments.

==Illness and death==
On September 29, 1975, Wilson was one of the featured acts in [[Dick Clark]]'s Good Ol' Rock and Roll Revue, hosted by the [[Latin Casino]] in [[Cherry Hill, New Jersey]]. He was in the middle of singing "Lonely Teardrops" when he suffered a massive heart attack.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> On the words "My heart is crying" he collapsed on stage; audience members applauded as they initially thought it was part of the act. Clark sensed something was wrong, then ordered the musicians to stop the music. [[Cornell Gunter]] of [[the Coasters]], who was backstage, noticed Wilson was not breathing. Gunter was able to resuscitate him and Wilson was then rushed to a nearby hospital.<ref name="books.google.com"/> According to [[Larry Geller]], Wilson wanted to sweat profusely during his performances, explaining to [[Elvis Presley]], "The chicks love it." To induce the effect, he would take a handful of salt tablets and drink a large amount of water before going onstage.<ref>quoted by Peter Guralnick, ''Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley'', Little Brown and Company, 1999, pg. 239</ref> High salt consumption is known to be a risk factor for heart disease.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-does-salt-affect-heart-health/|title = How Does Salt Affect Heart Health?|date = October 16, 2020|accessdate = September 7, 2023|website = [[Cleveland Clinic]]|last = Laffin|first = Luke}}</ref> Among the other witnesses to the first meeting with Elvis, no one ever confirmed that this story was serious and that it was not a joke made by a man who had lost a kidney, so taking salt tablets would be unlikely. 

Medical personnel worked to stabilize Wilson's vital signs, but the lack of oxygen to his brain caused him to slip into a [[coma]]. He briefly recovered in early 1976, and was even able to take a few wobbly steps, but slipped back into a [[Minimally conscious state|semi-comatose]] state.<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|date=March 4, 1976|title=Jackie Wilson Takes Few "Wobbly Steps"|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bMADAAAAMBAJ&q=jackie+wilson+jet+1976+womack&pg=PA57|magazine=Jet|pages=57|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref>

Wilson's friend, fellow singer [[Bobby Womack]], planned a benefit at the [[Hollywood Palladium]] to raise funds for Wilson on March 4.<ref name=":4" /> Wilson was deemed conscious but incapacitated in early June 1976, aware of his surroundings but unable to speak. He was a resident of the Medford Leas Retirement Center in [[Medford, New Jersey]], when he was admitted into Memorial Hospital of Burlington County in [[Mount Holly, New Jersey]], due to having trouble taking nourishment, according to his attorney John Mulkerin. Elvis Presley covered a large portion of Wilson’s medical bills. Wilson's friend Joyce McRae tried to become his caregiver while he was in the nursing home, but he was placed in the guardianship of his estranged wife Harlean Harris and her lawyer John Mulkerin in 1978.<ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine|date=May 4, 1978|title=Court Names Jackie's Wife As His Guardian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YEIDAAAAMBAJ&q=jet+jackie+wilson&pg=PA58|magazine=Jet|pages=58, 60|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref>

Wilson died on January 21, 1984,<ref name="LarkinSM"/> at the age of 49 from complications of [[pneumonia]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>[http://ourweekly.com/news/2019/aug/29/jackie-wilson-gets-star-walk-fame/  Jackie Wilson gets star on Walk of Fame.] ''Our Weekly''</ref> He was initially buried in an unmarked grave at Westlawn Cemetery near Detroit.<ref>[https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2016/09/27/tour-jackie-wilsons-grave/91187462/   'Lonely teardrops:' Tour highlights Jackie Wilson's grave]''Detroit Free Press''</ref>

In 1987, fans raised money in a fundraiser spearheaded by an Orlando disc jockey [[Joseph Deighton Gibson Jr.|"Jack the Rapper" Gibson]] to purchase a mausoleum.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|date=June 29, 1987|title=Remove Jackie Wilson From Unmarked Grave; Fans Buy Mausoleum|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=27EDAAAAMBAJ&q=jet+jackie+wilson&pg=PA22|magazine=Jet|pages=22–23|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref> On June 9, 1987,  his 53rd birthday, a ceremony was held and Wilson was interred in the mausoleum at Westlawn Cemetery in [[Wayne, Michigan]]. His mother Eliza Wilson, who died in 1975, was also placed in the mausoleum.<ref name=":3" />

==Personal life==
Wilson [[Conversion to Judaism|converted]] to [[Judaism]] as an adult, likely as a publicity stunt.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gale|first=Thomson|title=Contemporary Black Biography: Profiles From the International Black Community|publisher=Gale/Cengage Learning|year=2007|isbn=978-0-7876-7932-3|page=165}}</ref> He recorded a version of [[Lew Pollack]] and [[Jack Yellen]]'s famed Jewish-themed song "[[My Yiddishe Momme]]" in New York in November 1960.

Wilson had a reputation for being short-tempered and promiscuous.<ref name="Honkers And Shouters 1978" /> In her autobiography, [[Patti LaBelle]] accused Wilson of sexually assaulting her backstage at Brooklyn's Brevoort Theatre in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=LaBelle |first=Patti |url=http://archive.org/details/dontblockblessin0000labe_y7q7 |title=Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime |date=1996 |publisher=New York: Riverhead Books |isbn=978-1-57322-039-2 |pages=119–121}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Kevin L. |date=November 26, 1996 |title=Like On Stage, Patti Labelle Doesn't Hold Back in Autobiography |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/11/26/like-on-stage-patti-labelle-doesnt-hold-back-in-autobiography/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525204902/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-11-26/features/9611260258_1_patti-labelle-armstead-edwards-laura-b-randolph |archive-date=2018-05-25 |website=The Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

On February 15, 1961, in [[Manhattan]], Wilson was shot and seriously wounded by Juanita Jones,<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine|last=Robinson|first=Major|date=March 2, 1961|title=Rock 'N' Roll Idol Jackie Wilson Felled By Fan's Gun|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QrEDAAAAMBAJ&q=jackie+wilson+jet+1961&pg=PA60|magazine=Jet|pages=60–62}}</ref> one of his girlfriends, who shot him in a jealous rage when he returned to his Manhattan apartment with another woman: fashion model Harlean Harris, an ex-girlfriend of [[Sam Cooke]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Douglas|first=Tony|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r14eLMrbHJIC&q=jackie+wilson+juanita&pg=PA116|title=Jackie Wilson: Lonely Teardrops|date=April 14, 2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-77651-9|language=en}}</ref> (and later Wilson's second wife). Wilson's management supposedly concocted the story about her being a zealous fan in order to protect Wilson's reputation. They claimed that Jones, obsessed with Wilson, had threatened to shoot herself and that the singer's intervention resulted in him being shot.<ref name=":6" /><ref>Guralnick, P: ''Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke'', Abacus, 2006, p. 355.</ref> Wilson was shot in the stomach; the wound resulted in the loss of a kidney, and the bullet lodged too close to his spine to be removed.<ref name="history-of-rock.com" />

In early 1975, during an interview with author Arnold Shaw, Wilson maintained that he was actually shot by a zealous fan he didn't know. "We also had some trouble in 1961. That was when some crazy chick took a shot at me and nearly put me away for good..."<ref>Shaw, ''Honkers and Shouters'', 1978, p. 444.</ref> No charges were brought against Jones.

=== Legal problems ===
In 1960, Wilson was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer when fans tried to climb on stage in New Orleans. He assaulted a policeman who had shoved one of the fans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://history-of-rock.com/jackie_wilson.htm|title = Jackie Wilson}}</ref>

In 1964, Wilson jumped from a second-floor window at [[Kiel Auditorium]] in [[St. Louis]] to avoid being arrested after a show.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1964 |title=Rock 'N' Roll Performer Arrested on Judgement |pages=18A |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-jackie-wilson-ar/132988322/}}</ref> His arrest stemmed from a default of a $2,260 civil judgment relating to his failure to appear at the [[Club Riviera]] in 1959.<ref name=":8" /> He was caught by the police and jailed for a day before he posted a $3,000 bond.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=November 19, 1964|title=Jackie Wilson Posts $3,000 Bond In Default Case|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1MADAAAAMBAJ&q=jackie+wilson+jet+1959&pg=PA58|magazine=Jet|pages=58|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref>

In March 1967, Wilson and his drummer, Jimmy Smith, were arrested in [[South Carolina]] on "morals charges"; the two were entertaining two 24-year-old white women in their motel room.<ref name="books.google.com" />

=== Financial issues ===
In 1961, Wilson declared annual earnings of $263,000, while the average annual salary at that time was just $5,000, but he discovered that, despite being at the peak of his success, he was broke. Around this time the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]] seized Wilson's Detroit family home. Tarnopol and his accountants were supposed to take care of such matters. Wilson made arrangements with the IRS to make restitution on the unpaid taxes; he also re-purchased the family home at auction.<ref name="history-of-rock.com" /> Nat Tarnopol had taken advantage of Wilson's naïveté, mismanaging his money since becoming his manager. Tarnopol also had power of attorney over Wilson's finances.

Tarnopol and 18 other Brunswick executives were indicted on federal charges of mail fraud and tax evasion stemming from [[bribery]] and [[payola]] scandals in 1975. Also in the indictment was the charge that Tarnopol owed at least $1 million in royalties to Wilson. In 1976 Tarnopol and the others were found guilty; an appeals court overturned their conviction 18 months later. Although the conviction was overturned, judges went into detail, outlining that Tarnopol and Brunswick Records did defraud their artists of royalties, and that they were satisfied that there was sufficient evidence for Wilson to file a lawsuit. However, a trial to sue Tarnopol for royalties never took place, as Wilson lay in a nursing home semi-comatose. Tarnopol never paid Wilson monies he had coming to him, and Wilson died owing money to Brunswick Records and an estimated $300,000 to the IRS.<ref>{{YouTube|id=iC6jQhH0YlQ&list=FL7sgr1KkJVNE_dIzfCRuskQ&index=2|title=Jackie Wilson 20/20 Interview Pt. 1}}</ref>

=== Marriages and children ===
At the age of 17, Wilson married his pregnant girlfriend Freda Hood in 1951. They had four children:<ref name="history-of-rock.com" /> Jacqueline Denise (1951–1988), Sandra Kay (1953–1977), Jackie Jr (1954–1970), and Anthony Duane.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} Hood divorced Wilson in 1965 after 14 years of marriage, as she was frustrated with his notorious womanizing.<ref name="history-of-rock.com" />

In 1967, Wilson married his second wife, model Harlean Harris (1937–2019), at the urging of Nat Tarnopol, who thought the marriage would help repair Wilson's public image.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book|last=Gulla|first=Bob|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLgqFaYmgw8C&q=Harlean+Harris+jackie&pg=PA140|title=Icons of R & B and Soul: An Encyclopedia of the Artists who Revolutionized Rhythm|date=2008|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-34044-4|pages=140|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=June 10, 1967|title=Meet the Wilsons|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Record-World/60s/67/RW-1967-06-10.pdf|journal=Record World|pages=26}}</ref> They had been dating since at least 1960 and their son John Dominick (known as Petey), was born in 1963.<ref name=":7" /> Wilson and Harris legally separated in 1969.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=March 27, 1969|title=Jackie Wilson and Wife Sign Separation Papers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4DgDAAAAMBAJ&q=John+Dominick+harlean+jackie&pg=PA22|magazine=Jet|pages=22|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref> They never officially divorced, but at the time he had his heart attack in 1975, he was in a relationship with a woman named Lynn Guidry, who was under the impression that she was his legal wife. Harris was the one who became his court-appointed guardian in 1978.<ref name=":5" />

In 1970, Wilson's 16-year-old son Jackie Jr. was shot and killed on a neighbor's porch near their Detroit home. Wilson sank into a period of depression, remaining a near-recluse for the next few years. He turned to drug abuse and continued to drink in an attempt to cope with the loss of his son.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Murder & Grief: Jackie Wilson's 3 Children Died YOUNG, What Went Wrong?|url=https://www.iloveoldschoolmusic.com/murder-grief-jackie-wilsons-3-children-died-young-what-went-wrong/|date=November 23, 2015|website=I Love Old School Music|language=en-US|access-date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> More tragedy hit when both of Wilson's daughters died young:<ref name="simmondwww.iloveoldschs">{{Cite book|last=Simmonds|first=Jeremy|title=The Encyclopedia of Dead Rock Stars: Heroin, Handguns, and Ham Sandwiches|publisher=Chicago Review Press|year=2008|isbn=978-1-55652-754-8|page=188}}</ref> Sandra died in 1977 at age 24 of an apparent heart attack, and her older sister Jacqueline was killed in 1988 in what was initially thought to be a drug-related incident in [[Highland Park, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Singer Jackie Wilson's daughter shot dead|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3901112.html|date=August 25, 1988|work=Chicago Sun-Times|via=Highbeam.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103035143/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3901112.html|archive-date=November 3, 2012|access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref>

Wilson also fathered many out-of-wedlock children with different women, including singer Bobby Brooks Wilson, who performs his father's songs in tribute.<ref>[https://michiganrockandrolllegends.com/dr-js-blog/226-best-cds-of-2013-two-views Michigan Rock and Roll Legends: Incredible Story of Jackie Wilson's Lost Son]. Accessed February 1, 2022.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fidgen |first1=Jo |last2=Azhar |first2=Mobeen |title=Outlook, A Family Affair: My uncanny resemblance to Jackie Wilson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4qh1 |website=BBC World Service |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref>

==Tributes and legacy==
[[Van Morrison]] recorded a tribute song called "[[Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)]]" on his 1972 album ''[[Saint Dominic's Preview]]''. It was covered by [[Dexys Midnight Runners]] in 1982.

After Wilson's death, [[Michael Jackson]] paid tribute to him at the [[26th Annual Grammy Awards|1984 Grammy Awards]]. Jackson dedicated his Album of the Year Grammy for ''[[Thriller (Michael Jackson album)|Thriller]]'' to Wilson, saying, "Some people are entertainers and some people are great entertainers. Some people are followers. And some people make the path and are pioneers. I'd like to say Jackie Wilson was a wonderful entertainer. He's not with us anymore, but Jackie, where you are I'd like to say, I love you and thank you so much."<ref>Lisa D. Campbell, ''Michael Jackson: The King of Pop,'' p. 77</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CNZ_pi8pcQ  Michael Jackson's Tribute to Jackie Wilson] YouTube. Retrieved June 9, 2020.</ref>

In 1985, [[the Commodores]] recorded "[[Nightshift (song)|Nightshift]]" in memory of Wilson and soul singer [[Marvin Gaye]], who had both died in 1984.

Wilson scored a posthumous hit in Europe when "Reet Petite" topped the charts in the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom in 1986.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> This success was likely due in part to a new animated video made for the song, featuring a clay model of Wilson, that became popular on the [[BBC Two]] TV network in the latter country.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> The following year, Wilson's posthumous charting success in the United Kingdom continued when he hit the [[UK Singles Chart]] again with "[[I Get the Sweetest Feeling]]" (number three), and "[[(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher]]" (number 15).

In [[Berry Gordy]]'s 1994 autobiography ''To Be Loved'' (named for one of the hit tunes he wrote for Wilson), Motown's founder stated that Wilson was "The greatest singer I've ever heard. The epitome of natural greatness. Unfortunately for some, he set the standard I'd be looking for in singers forever".<ref>''To Be Loved'' by Berry Gordy, 1994, p. 88</ref>

In 1994, [[Peter Tork]] of [[The Monkees]] recorded a bluegrass-rock cover of "Higher and Higher" on his first solo album, ''[[Stranger Things Have Happened (Peter Tork album)|Stranger Things Have Happened]]'', having previously self-released a single featuring it in 1981.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCutcheon |first1=John |title=Peter Tork & The New Monks |url=http://monkee45s.net/Peter_Tork/PT&NM.html |website=Monkee45s.Net |access-date=July 20, 2021}}</ref> The song remained Tork's signature solo number in subsequent Monkees concert tours.

In the 2010 [[VH1]] television special ''Say It Loud: A Celebration of Black Music in America'', [[Smokey Robinson]] and [[Bobby Womack]] both paid tribute to Wilson. Smokey explained that "Jackie Wilson was ''the'' most dynamic singer and performer that I think I've ''ever'' seen." Bobby added "He was the ''real'' Elvis Presley, as far as I'm concerned...and Elvis took a lot from him too."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/say_it_loud |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020616005929/http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/say_it_loud/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2002 |title=Say It Loud! |publisher=VH1 |access-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref>

In 2010, Wilson's songs "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" and "Lonely Teardrops" were ranked No. 248 and No. 315 on ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine's list of the [[500 Greatest Songs of All Time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=500 Greatest Songs of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-151127/|date=April 7, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2014, artist [[Hozier (musician)|Hozier]] released a song titled "Jackie and Wilson", which includes the lyrics "We'll name our children Jackie and Wilson and raise them on rhythm and blues."<ref>{{cite news|author=Bob Boilen|url=https://www.npr.org/event/music/345044268/hozier-jackie-and-wilson|title=Hozier, 'Jackie And Wilson'|publisher=[[NPR]] |date=September 2, 2014}}</ref>

In 2016, Cottage Grove Street in Detroit was renamed Jackie Wilson Lane in his honor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/193859828-story|title=Highland Park street to be renamed honoring Jackie Wilson|website=Fox2detroit.com|access-date=October 26, 2017|archive-date=November 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125175117/http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/193859828-story|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2018, Hologram USA Networks Inc. launched the hologram stage show, ''Higher & Higher: The Jackie Wilson Story''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hologram Jackie Wilson Is Making A Hollywood Comeback|url=https://thesightsandsounds.com/hologram-jackie-wilson-hollywood-comeback/|date=June 21, 2018|website=The Sights And Sounds|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6820782/jackie-wilson-r-b-singer-hologram-usa-tour-2017|title=R&B Icon Jackie Wilson Hologram Tour Coming in 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=December 23, 2015|access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref>

During their [[2019–20 St. Louis Blues season|2019–20 season]], "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" was played following every home win by the [[St. Louis Blues]].

During the [[2024 Democratic National Convention]], his song "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" was played to introduce President [[Joe Biden]] before his speech.

=== Portrayals in the media ===
*In 1987, Wilson was portrayed in the [[Ritchie Valens]] biographical film ''[[La Bamba (film)|La Bamba]]'' by [[Howard Huntsberry]].
*In 1992, Wilson was portrayed in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] miniseries by Grady Harrell in ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]''.
*In 1999, Wilson was portrayed by [[Leon Robinson]] in the [[NBC]] television film ''[[Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gallo|first=Phil|title=Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story|date=October 15, 1999|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/reviews/mr-rock-n-roll-the-alan-freed-story-1117752247/|access-date=June 14, 2020}}</ref>
*In 1999, Wilson was portrayed by Sananda Maitreya, then known professionally as [[Terence Trent D'Arby]], in the television film ''[[Shake, Rattle & Roll]]''.
*In 2000, Wilson was portrayed by [[Chester Gregory]] in the [[Black Ensemble Theater]] of Chicago's musical production about Wilson's life.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=September 4, 2000|title=The Jackie Wilson Story (My Heart Is Crying, Crying)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WrUDAAAAMBAJ&q=jet+jackie+wilson&pg=PA38|magazine=Jet|pages=38–19|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref>
*In 2019, Wilson was portrayed by [[Jeremy Pope (actor)|Jeremy Pope]] in ''[[One Night in Miami...]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt10612922/fullcredits|title=One Night in Miami... (2020) - IMDb|access-date=June 16, 2021|website=IMDb.com}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations ==
* 1987: Wilson was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Jackie Wilson|url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/jackie-wilson|website=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame}}</ref>
*2003: Wilson was honored with the [[Rhythm and Blues Foundation]] Legacy Tribute Award<ref name=":1" />
* 2005: Wilson was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan Rock and Roll Legends – JACKIE WILSON|url=https://www.michiganrockandrolllegends.com/mrrl-hall-of-fame/76-jackie-wilson|website=Michiganrockandrolllegends.com|access-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref>
* 2013: Wilson was inducted into the [[National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame|National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame]]
* 2019: Wilson was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Singer Jackie Wilson Receives Long Overdue Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/jackie-wilson-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-ceremony-watch-1203322469/|last=Bloom|first=Steve|date=September 9, 2019|website=Variety|language=en}}</ref>

=== Grammy Awards ===
Wilson was nominated for two Grammy Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jackie Wilson|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/jackie-wilson|website=Recording Academy Grammy Awards}}</ref> In 1999, his songs "Higher and Higher" and "Lonely Teardrops" were inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grammy Hall of Fame|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/hall-of-fame|website=Recording Academy Grammy Awards|date=October 18, 2010 }}</ref> 
{{awards table}}
|-
| 1968
| "[[(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher|Higher and Higher]]"
| [[Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance|Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| 1961
| "[[Lonely Teardrops]]"
| [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance|Best Rhythm & Blues Performance]]
| {{nom}}
{{end}}

==Selected discography==
{{Main|Jackie Wilson discography}}

=== Studio albums ===
* 1958: ''He's So Fine''
* 1959: ''Lonely Teardrops''
* 1959: ''So Much''
* 1960: ''Jackie Sings the Blues''
* 1960: ''A Woman, a Lover, a Friend'' 
* 1961:''You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet'' 
* 1961: ''By Special Request'' 
* 1962: ''Body and Soul'' 
* 1962: ''Jackie Wilson at the Copa'' 
* 1963: ''Jackie Wilson Sings the World's Greatest Melodies'' 
* 1963: ''Baby Workout'' 
* 1963: ''Shake a Hand'' (with [[Linda Hopkins]])
* 1964: ''Somethin' Else!!!'' 
* 1965: ''Soul Time'' 
* 1965: ''Spotlight on Jackie Wilson!'' 
* 1966: ''Whispers'' 
* 1967: ''Higher and Higher'' 
* 1968: ''[[Manufacturers of Soul]]'' (with [[Count Basie]])
* 1968: ''I Get the Sweetest Feeling'' 
* 1969: ''Do Your Thing''
* 1970: ''This Love is Real''
* 1971: ''You Got Me Walkin''
* 1973: ''Beautiful Day''
* 1976: ''Nobody But You''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Jackie Wilson}}
* [https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/351191 Jackie Wilson recordings] at the [[Discography of American Historical Recordings]].
* {{Pop Chronicles|17|4}}
* [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2261/jackie-wilson Jackie Wilson at Find a Grave]

{{Jackie Wilson}}
{{Billy Ward and his Dominoes}}
{{Hank Ballard & the Midnighters}}
{{1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Jackie}}
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:1984 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:American rhythm and blues singers]]
[[Category:American soul singers]]
[[Category:American tenors]]
[[Category:Doo-wop musicians]]
[[Category:Rock and roll musicians]]
[[Category:American shooting survivors]]
[[Category:African-American Jews]]
[[Category:Converts to Judaism]]
[[Category:Jewish American musicians]]
[[Category:Deaths from pneumonia in New Jersey]]
[[Category:The Midnighters members]]
[[Category:Musicians from Detroit]]
[[Category:People with severe brain damage]]
[[Category:Singers with a three-octave vocal range]]
[[Category:Federal Records artists]]
[[Category:King Records artists]]
[[Category:Brunswick Records artists]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:People with disorders of consciousness]]