Jack Leroy "Jackie" Wilson, Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American singer and performer. Known as "Mr. Excitement", Wilson was important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was known as a master showman, and as one of the most dynamic singers and performers in R&B and rock history.
Gaining fame in his early years as a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, he went solo in 1957 and recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop and easy listening.
Gaining fame in his early years as a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, he went solo in 1957 and recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop and easy listening.
During a 1975 benefit concert, he collapsed on-stage from a heart attack and subsequently fell into a coma that persisted for nearly nine years until his death in 1984. By this time, he had become one of the most influential artists of his generation.
A two-time Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee, Jackie Wilson was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Jackie Wilson #68 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. JACKIE'S FULL BIO ON WIKI
Last week I met a young photographer Claire Minneboo. Claire and I have a lot in common... I mentioned to Claire that Jackie Wilson was buried in Westlawn Cemetery in Westland, MI.
Claire happened to be out that way yesterday and shot these new photos of Jackie's really nice head stone. The plot was pretty over grown so Claire and her Mom weeded the plot and made it beautiful for the amazing Jackie Wilson..... Claire is such a great person...
Wilson launched his solo career in 1958 with the singles "Reet Petite" and "To Be Loved," both written for him by a pre-Motown Berry Gordy, Jr., back when the latter was a struggling songwriter. A great collaboration was born between Jackie and Gordy.
While playing Dick Clark's oldies show at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Jackie suffered an on stage heart attack while singing "Lonely Tear drops". He went into a coma, suffering major brain damage and was hospitalized until his death at the age of 49.
Thanks so much Claire great job! XXOOK
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