A dynamic bridge between the jump blues of the early fifties and the explosive growth of modern soul, Jackie Wilson remains one of the most vocally acrobatic showmen in American music history. Revered for his multi-octave vocal range, operatic control, and gravity-defying stage choreography, he brought a level of athleticism to R&B that forever transformed live performance standards. His ability to seamlessly blend theatrical pop showmanship with deep, church-inflected gospel fervor earned him an enduring legacy as an essential architect of the classic Detroit soul explosion.
Jackie Wilson was among the first soul singers who followed in Ray Charles' footsteps after Charles created the music in the mid-fifties. Wilson, also known as “Mr. Excitement” for his ebullient performing style, was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1934. Wilson was a boxer and gymnast prior to the start of his music career. Wilson was known for his temperamental nature and willingness to use his boxing skills.
Wilson originally came to prominence in 1953 as a member of the vocal R&B group Billy Ward and the Dominoes as a replacement for Clyde McPhatter, who had left the group to form the Drifters. Wilson would serve as the Dominoes' lead singer for the next three years. Upon leaving the Dominoes, Wilson soon found solo success with the hit single, “Reet Petite,” in 1957.
Technical Catalog Spotlight: Higher and Higher (1967)
This mid-sixties vocal masterpiece captures Wilson at his absolute artistic peak, perfectly navigating the shifting tides of the soul movement. Moving away from early orchestral pop arrangements, the production leans heavily on a propulsive, bass-driven Chicago soul rhythm section that perfectly matches the soaring, unbridled joy of his delivery.
- Released: November 1967
- Label: Brunswick Records
- Producer: Carl Davis, Sonny Sanders
- Core Personnel: Jackie Wilson (Vocals), James Jamerson (Bass), Richard Allen (Drums), Robert White (Guitar)
- Key Tracks: Higher and Higher, I'm the One to Love You, Open the Door to Your Heart
Throughout the remainder of the fifties and sixties, Wilson recorded numerous R&B hits and the occasional pop hit. Wilson’s biggest pop hit came in 1958 with “Lonely Teardrops.” In 1967, Wilson would again score a huge hit with the song “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.”
Wilson’s best studio albums include “Soul Time” (1965), “Whispers” (1966), and “Higher and Higher” (1967). His best compilations include “The Jackie Wilson Story” (1983) and “The Very Best of Jackie Wilson” (1987).
Technical Catalog Spotlight: The Very Best of Jackie Wilson (1987)
A flawless archival retrospective that maps his incredible sonic evolution from late-fifties rock and roll novelty records to commanding, high-fidelity soul anthems. The collection beautifully highlights his unmatched vocal range, preserving the sharp brass fanfares and syncopated handclaps that defined his legendary chart runs.
- Released: 1987
- Label: Rhino Records / Brunswick Records
- Producer: Dick Jacobs, Carl Davis
- Core Personnel: Jackie Wilson (Vocals), Al Caiola (Guitar), Bob Babbitt (Bass), Panama Francis (Drums)
- Key Tracks: Lonely Teardrops, Reet Petite, To Be Loved
Wilson died in 1984.
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