Jackie Wilson

Also known as Mr. Excitement

American singer (1934–1984)

Person · Open Library

Works: 8

Top works

Stand by Me
Understanding the Yucat�n : Travel Tips, Tricks, and Advice from a Seasoned Traveler
Iraq, their mission, our journey
The complete singles As & Bs 1952-62
Jackie Wilson - Mr. Excitement!

via Open Library + Wikidata

Film & TV

Acting · Detroit, Michigan, USA

Known for

Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan — Self (archive footage)2023
Motown 40: The Music Is Forever — Self (archive footage)1998
Shindig! — Self - Singer1964
Teenage Millionaire — Himself1961
Go, Johnny, Go! — Himself1959
The Dick Clark Show — Self1958
American Bandstand — Self1957
The Ed Sullivan Show — Self1948
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Jerry Lee Lewis Show

via TMDB

~27 min read

Article

Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American singer who was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. Nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", he was considered a master showman and one of the most dynamic singers and performers in the 20th century. Among Wilson's hits are "Lonely Teardrops," "Baby Workout," "Reet Petite", "I Get the Sweetest Feeling" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher". His performance style is often cited as a significant influence on contemporary and later artists such as Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Michael Jackson.

Born in the Detroit enclave of Highland Park, Michigan, Wilson initially gained fame as a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes. He went solo in 1957 and scored more than 50 chart singles spanning the genres of R&B, rock 'n' roll, soul, doo-wop and easy listening. This included 16 top-10 R&B hits, six of which ranked as number ones. On the Billboard Hot 100, Wilson scored 14 top-20 pop hits, six of which reached the top 10. In 1975, Wilson suffered a heart attack during a performance, which left him in a minimally conscious state until his death nine years later.