Originally a boxer, Wilson turned to singing after getting married and becoming a father. Teamed with songwriters Berry Gordy Jr. (who would later establish Motown) and Roquel Davis, Wilson had a string of hit singles, including "To Be Loved," "That's Why (I Love You So)," and the Billboard Top 10 hit, "Lonely Teardrops." One of his last hits was the upbeat "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" in 1967.

His energetic dancing earned him the name "Mr. Excitement." Artists like Michael Jackson have admitted to being inspired by Wilson's footwork.

While playing a show for Dick Clark in February 1975, Wilson suffered a heart attack and collapsed while performing "Lonely Teardrops." He remained in a coma until his death eight years later.

• 1957: "To Be Loved"
• 1958: "Lonely Teardrops"
• 1959: "That's Why (I Love You So)"
• 1959: "I'll Be Satisfied"
• 1959: "You Better Know It"
• 1959: "Talk That Talk"
• 1960: "A Woman, A Lover, A Friend"
• 1960: "Night"
• 1960: "Alone At Last"
• 1960: "Stop Doggin' Around"
• 1963: "Baby Workout"
• 1967: "Higher and Higher"