Jackie Wilson was a popular singer known for his high-energy performances, which helped him earn the nickname “Mr. Excitement.” Before he was a singing success, Wilson competed as an amateur boxer.
Born Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. in Highland Park, Michigan, Wilson dropped out of high school at the age of 15. During those teenage years, Wilson had multiple brushes with the law, and he served time at a youth correctional institute. That’s where he learned to box. Wilson began competing as a Golden Gloves boxer, but his record (2-8) was anything but stellar.
Photo courtesy BoxingRec
Wilson’s mother begged him to quit boxing, and Wilson never boxed again. He turned to entertaining instead.
During the early 1950s, he formed or joined rhythm and blues and doo-wop groups. Wilson and his cousin Levi Stubbs, who later led the Motown group The Four Tops, formed a group called The Falcons. Wilson also joined other groups including The Royals and Billy Ward and His Dominoes.
Jackie Wilson (photo courtesy uDiscover Music)
Wilson went solo in 1957, and that’s where he found fame. Between 1958 and 1967, Wilson had 22 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, six of which reached the top 10. His most popular hits were Lonely Teardrops, Baby Workout, and (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.
Wilson’s performances were energetic and electrifying, and his skillful footwork drew on his boxing experience. It also fueled the fast footwork and spins for which he became famous.
Sadly, his career and life were short-lived. He suffered a heart attack while performing in 1975, an event from which he never recovered. Debilitated for the rest of his life, Wilson died in 1984 at the young age of 49.
Jackie Wilson used boxing to pull himself out of what could have been a difficult life. Architect of a successful singing career, his life and contributions are worth remembering
