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• Jackie Wilson was an American R&B-soul singer-dancer who was one of the most influential performers of his time.

  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.

• Fast Facts

  1. Birth name: Jack Leroy Wilson, Jr.
  2. Born: June 9, 1934
  3. Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
  4. Died: January 21, 1984
  5. Nickname: Mr. Excitement
  6. Years Active: 1953 - 1975
  7. 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

• Hit Songs

  • 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"

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Dick Clark | Smokey Robinson | The Isley Brothers | Sam & Dave | The Spinners | Wilson Pickett | Gladys Knight | Smokey Robinson | The Temptations | The Supremes | Marvin Gaye | Sam Cooke | The Shirelles | James Brown | Diana Ross | Otis Redding | Ben E. King | Percy Sledge | Little Richard

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