Jackie Wilson was among the first soul
singers who followed in Ray Charles footsteps after Charles created the music in
the mid-Fifties. Wilson, also known as “Mr. Excitement,” for his ebullient performing
style, was born in Detroit ,
Michigan , in 1934. Wilson was a boxer and
gymnast prior to the start of his music career. Wilson was known for his temperamental nature
and willingness to use his boxing skills.
Throughout the remainder of the Fifties and
Sixties, Wilson
recorded numerous R&B hits and the occasional pop hit. Wilson ’s biggest pop hit came in 1958 with
“Lonely Teardrops.” In 1967, Wilson
would again score a huge hit with the song, “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me)
Higher and Higher.”