When Jackie collapsed on stage everyone thought it was part of his always dramatic act. It took too long for people to realize it wasn't. Wilson was in his own league. There was no R&B voice better than his. His life would make for a worthy movie. Call it "Alone At Last."
A lot of Black Artists got screwed over that time. Some had to wait for as many as Forty Years before they got compensation. Also, some of his early songs were written by Berry Gordy in his Pre-Motown Records Days. Remember they did a Storyline like that on The Sopranos where Massive Genius and Hesh talked about how his Grandmother never got her Money from back in the day. I was listening to The Orlons and I didn't know that "Don't Hang Up" was by them. I remember hearing it on a Phone Commercial in the 1970's.
After seeing this video of Jackie Wilson and the home video of how he looked when he was in that nursing home makes me we just want to cry my eyes out because this man was by far the greatest artist has ever lived and he got cheated out of everything that was owed to him even after his death 35 years later
This man was a true legend. In the 60s, Chicago, Il., at the Regal Theater, Jackie Wilson would put on a show that the kids could understood. Everyone enjoyed his show. He truly earned the title, Mr. Excitement. Well earned I must say. RIP dear one. Thank you for all the excitement you brought into our lives.
Such a shame! I'm 45 and Jackie is my all time favorite performer. As a kid I had a terrible stuttering issue my father played the heck out of Jackie, James Brown, Elvis, and B.B. king. I found that singing along with Jackie helped with my stuttering! He in mind and heart he became my best buddy! I can honestly say I love Jackie with all of my heart and soul! I wish I could have told him Thank you and say I love you Jackie! I saw an interview with his son saying that Elvis paid for Jackie's medical bills! That's a true friend❤
I use to watch him at the Regal Theater, and ran back stage , as he came out on the fire escape with his shirt off. He was a boxer Elvis removed him to a better nursing home, and paid until Jackie died. Thank you Elvis. I was not a groupie, but he was FINE!
So Sad for his troubles while he was a helpless man! He was such a talented singer and I personally regret that he passed away under such circumstances. Memory eternal, Jackie!
