Mr. EXCITEMENT does not begin to describe what Jackie Wilson brought to his music! Between him and Sam Cooke, there were simply none better! Both died tragically far too young.
I grew up with Jackie's music. The energy in his voice and music has always been among my favorites. Finding this tribute is like finding the holy grail. This interview is so touching. May his music live forever. Thanks to the granddaughter for putting this together. He left us way too soon.
Deserved MUCH BETTER. He shouldve had better managent and songwriters. Instead he was robbed of over 80% of his earnings. And his record label was run by the mob. A real tragic story. For the best singer my ears have ever heard. His version of Danny Boy is incredible.
Thank You for sharing such precious, private memoirs! Sam Cooke was my favorite, and to hear your Granddad pay him such a wonderful tribute, makes me love Jackie Wilson more than I did before. He and Sam were very good friends and contemporaries; TWO Legends of their Generation. R.I.P. Kings!
Jackie Wilson was the greatest entertainer In my life... no one and I mean no one could beat him ,,,,Higher and Higher is my all time fav. I always thought that his life story should have been made to be shown on Broadway !!!!
I was in my parents record collection. I love all Jackie Wilsons' songs. When I watched the repeats on the Ed Sullivan shows & other shows ; I loved the way he danced. May he rest in Heavenly peace. Awesome Artist & a beautiful singing voice. ❤
Jackie Wilson's music is a breath of healthy and fresh air during these rough times. His talent and soulful spirit will keep on going for a long time. I can only feel admiration and thankfulness for this great artist.
One of my all time favorite singers and performers. I wish I could have seen him in person. I enjoy all kinds of music, do a little playing and singing myself. A damn shame he passed so young. Just like there was nobody like Elvis, there is nobody like Jackie.
Just when I thought my respect for this great man couldn't get higher! Thank you for sharing this. I'm guessing you share some of his traits. You are blessed.
Soooooooooooooooooo happy to hear the man's words in discussion. By far, one of the greatest entertainers of all time & there's not a single record he sings that doesn't make me smile... Nothing like his talent before or since. Much admired, often attempted, never bettered. Now that's "class"!
Such a tragic end for a legend but his music lives on for ever. Everyday I listen to a Jackie Wilson track and thank my lucky stars that i got to know his music so early on in my life. We in England are lucky that at least once a month i can go out and dance to a Jackie Wilson track.
Thanks very much for posting this; I bought a book recently about Jackie and was stunned to read about the hardhips he went through. What a life! And so sad that he died penniless, after making so much money for the music business. I never saw anyone do that move he does, raising himself off the floor by his ankles. Just an amazing performer, a remarkable human being. Thanks again
Not by his ankles, but his CORE!! So few ever really understand that, even in the Motown Musical, the person playing him did not do him credit because of his amazing core!!! I know that because I knew him for a while. And with his training in sport that is where he got his light feet, and his moves!
If you ever watch him doing "Lonely Teardrops" and when he drops down to his knees, you can almost see a string or cord pull him up from his core, his middle, that was his physical strength, and good physique.
Michael Jackson studied Jackie's moves. I don't think anybody could do that move by getting up from a kneeling position by getting back up. Look ma no hands. He was amazing.
Thank you for posting this video I enjoyed listening to Jackie Wilson I love his music It's just sad what happened to him but his legacy will live on forever rest in peace Mr Jackie Wilson
Sam Cooke doesnt touch Wilson. Cooke like so many had a great distinctive voice. But for vocal dexterity and ability forget it. Wilson leaves them ALL for dead. Even Elvis gave this man UNTOLD RESPECT. He was going to see him perform right up to the time he sadly had a stroke in 75. And to his credit Elvis knew this man was very special
Thank you for sharing this! I LOVE me some Jackie Wilson! Way before my time, I wasn't even born yet when he fell ill (I was born the next year in 76). One of my late grandmother's favorite artists - Jackie and Sam Cooke, who is my other favorite artist. Thanks again for sharing this. Bless you and your family!
I was there at THE TRIP for his 2 week booking ...every night! I remember a section being roped off for Elvis. The Righteous Brothers were playing down the street, they came one night to listen to Jackie. The absolute greatest performer EVER! If any of you have never heard him sing "STARDUST ", you should find it and treat yourself to his magnificent voice and a range like no other! I searched years ago for this ONE song by him and finally found it on a CD but not in a single. I gladly paid $114.00 just to have this ONE song by him in my collection. Money well spent. He's my true favorite singer, but he's much more than that. I'll forever miss Jackie Wilson. There'll never be another like him.
As A Little Girl My Parents Listened to the Radio , And the Sound From Some of the Singer's Was Just BEAUTIFUL , My GrandMa Lived Down the Street & It Was Some People That Lived Next Door to Her , They Played Music All Weekend Long , & I Heard "Lonely Tear Drops" OH As A Little KiD That Sent Chills Up My SPINE His Voice Was So BEAUTIFUL , BUT I Didn't know the Song Already Old , The Came Out Before I Was BORN , Nevertheless I Loved Like EVERYONE ELSE ! IT'S SaD That Some of the ARTISTS Went Such HORRIBLE Times At The EnD , He SEEMED Such a Beautiful Person !
Wow, you're his granddaughter? Lucky! He seemed like a wonderful man, and certainly had one of the best voices ever. I know you must be so proud to know how much he is loved by the fans.
AMEN! Spoken with knowledge and without childish judgment. You speak the words that I think most JW fans feel, have felt and will continue to feel. "Unique" truly personifies this "once in a lifetime" entertainer. May his memory and works live forever! Thanks for the fab. interview.
I was born long after your grandfather passed, but he is one of my favorite singers. My grandmother introduced these songs to me as a child at our family parties; the fond memories attached to those songs are priceless. Thanks for sharing your archives!
Jackie Wilson,the love i have for your music will last a life time,now my daughter& grandson appreciate his music an all the photo i took with him here in Atlantic City .
My gosh! I knew some of Jackie's music growing up. Even knew some of the songs he sang, and most likely did not know it was his songs too. But lately, I caught one of his songs on RU-vid and started going back, listening to his music. Even started sharing his music with friends...and just bought his greatest hits CD. This guy was as smooth as silk on stage, and I have now come to realize and understand why so many performers imitated him. He was great beyond belief. What a shame how dishonest some people could be; I'm talking about his Business Manager. Even wishing that he rots in hell doesn't give justice to Jackie's legacy or relief to his heirs.Mr Excitement was also Mr Inimitable!
As a child growing up in Atlanta, Ga in the 60's I can remember my mom going to the Royal Peacock on Sweet Auburn Ave to see Jackie Wilson perform and playing all of his records (45's). RIP Mom & Jackie
Elvis Presley was a great man! Elvis Presley did a lot of big things for people of color! I am especially glad what he did for The great Jackie Wilson. He came to Jackie Wilson rescue, when he was in the hospital and the nursing home too! He moves Jackie to a better facility too! When nobody else care! When Elvis Presley wrote Jackie you have a friend for life! He meant it! I would like to thank singer Al Green. Who sat by Jackie Wilson's bedside when he was in town. Now all of you stop picking on Elvis Presley!!! And all of Jackie Wilson, fans, no one question Patti Labelle's accusation on how Jackie Wilson, tried to rape her. Study shows, Patti Labelle wasn't even there. ( Do some research) No Jackie Wilson wasn't a Saint. But Jackie didn't deserve to be lie on to sell books!!!! And thanks for Dick Clark who finishing paying for Jackie Wilson medical bills after Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977.
Thanks so much for posting this. Jackie was as good or better than any of the superstars he mentions and they were his fans.Been in the music business 40 years and never saw or heard a better performer than the wonderful Jackie Wilson.
@musicanddancing4ever; I love Jackie Wilson's music not past tense but present tense. His Danny Boy brings me to tears. There has not been a singer like him since and there will not be another. Thank you for sharing his story.
Wow, what a great video and fascinating man. I just get a lot of respect out of him. I found this because it's St. Patrick's Day so I wanted to show my friends how he sang Danny Boy. I've had his records from the reissues in the 1980s ... since then.
MusicandDancing4Ever I wanted to thank your grandfather, on this site well before I watched your video. I grew up with Jackie Wilson and respect him, and his awesome talent. It is too much to bear, I would imagine, for you, your grandfather, during this time, and your family. my respect goes out to you all. Marilyn. Thank you for the delight to come.
and w/ God saved me from my foolish self...this was over 16 yrs. ago..and I still remember it like yesterday..he is still with us in spirit....May God Bless you and your Family
I cannot imagine a more wonderful voice and talent,Elvis & Jackie both knew their talent was of God,and both gave God credit.We could all learn from the sacrifices,and true humbleness of these men.Before I was born his- song Danny Boy played at My aunt Francis funeral.She died in an explosion and fire at a munitions factory in Saugus, Calif.I believe she was 19yrs old, the song was played to give comfort to those grieving,they knew it was her favorite.He is with us in Heart,Mind, and Soul always
A close friend of mine blues singer Elmore James had a hit record in 1960 (I can't hold out) and was on the show with Jackie Wilson at the Regal theater in Chicago. I was able to watch the show from back stage and stood next to Jackie as he argued with his girlfriend. When he was introduced he danced backward onto the stage to "That all I need". The last time I saw him was in Birmingham, Al. at the Boom Boom Room 1972The process was gone and he was still one great entertainer. RIP JW
@msros60 I'm glad you liked it. I wish I could bring his life and career to the big screen, it is long overdue. I ask everyone here to send their request in to TVOne to do a special on Jackie Wilson for their show Unsung. The more request they get from people, they'll see there's a demand, and may do a story on him. They've done many stories so far on r&b/soul artists from the 60's/70's.
MusicandDancing4Ever no, let us produce your production and creativity of Jackie. Damn TVOne if they don’t want to bring his life and legacy to fruition. You make it happen and you’re right. His story is long overdue.
Years ago I found a rare CD in a music store called the final curtain my Jackie and it has the same interview on it in between songs of Jackie performing live. Norm n nite is doing the interview
THANK GOD! This just goes to show-MAMA KNOWS BEST! This man was the black Elvis in my youth. One of the most gifted and popular vocal artists I have ever heard! Jackie was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, too long coming, but His singing talent far exceeded that classification; R&B,Pop,Soul,Blues& even Jazz; Jackie could add his stylish vocal skill to it all. I, for one, am glad he listened to his Mother! Thank You for the post.
+jesse james Jackie Wilson was the Black Elvis Presley in my youth too. It was fantastic to find out years later that Jackie called himself the Black Elvis Presley. After hearing that, Elvis called himself the white Jackie Wilson. Great historical stuff.
they can do 4 parts on Jackie Wilson on tv one "s unsung . Jackie was not unsung , but it would be so cool to see a program or documentary on his life , at least 2 hrs . we saw him in lake Tahoe in a casino lounge , I think in 1971 0r 1970 , he sang with some background girls called the up and coming times . there was a 5 dollar cover to get in , maybe 30-40 people in the lounge , and he just tore the house down , sadly hardly anybody was there . he was one of the greatest entertainers of all time , yes sir !
He and Sam Cooke were intelligent, super-talented, articulate, and along with James Brown, influenced every Rock star from Elvis to the Beatles, and Michael!!!!
