View source for Jackie Wilson

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[[File:MuGlobe-0ae316b1d5a7c239.jpg|thumb|right|320px|alt=Jackie Wilson in a Brunswick Records publicity photograph published in Billboard, 1961.|Jackie Wilson in a Brunswick Records publicity photograph published in Billboard, 1961.<br />Image: Brunswick Records. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Public_domain Public domain]. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jackie_Wilson_1961.jpg Source].]]

== Summary ==
Jackie Wilson (1934–1984) was an American singer whose career linked vocal-group R&B with a distinctive solo style. His work belongs to the histories of [[Rhythm and blues|rhythm and blues]], [[Soul|soul]] and [[Pop|pop]], combining vocal control with athletic stage performance.<ref name="wilson-essay">[https://rockhall25.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jackie_Wilson_1987.pdf Michael Hill: Jackie Wilson, 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame essay]. Accessed 23 October 2026.</ref>

== Life and career ==
Born in Detroit, he joined Billy Ward's Dominoes in 1953 after Clyde McPhatter's departure. Solo work followed, with Berry Gordy contributing early songs. 'Reet Petite', 'To Be Loved' and 'Lonely Teardrops' established different aspects of his singing on record.<ref name="wilson-essay" />

== Music and style ==
His repertoire could move from playful rhythmic delivery toward grand, string-supported balladry. On stage, spins, jumps and splits accompanied precise singing. That union of movement and voice became a reference point for later performers; the Hall of Fame identifies him among [[Michael Jackson]]'s influences.<ref name="wilson-essay" /><ref name="wilson-jackson">[https://rockhall.com/inductees/michael-jackson/ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:] [[Michael Jackson]], musical influences. Accessed 23 October 2026.</ref>

== Works and performances ==
'Lonely Teardrops', 'Doggin’ Around', 'Night' and 'Baby Workout' illustrate the range of his solo repertoire. The change from vocal-group lead to solo performer did not remove the importance of arrangement and accompaniment. His Hall of Fame induction in 1987 recognized that recorded and live legacy.<ref name="wilson-essay" /><ref name="wilson-hall">[https://rockhall.com/inductees/jackie-wilson/ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Jackie Wilson]. Accessed 23 October 2026.</ref>

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