Jackie Wilson: The Man, the Music, the Mob
On the opening night of a 1975 Dick Clark revue tour, Jackie Wilson fell onstage and into a coma. He never revived, dying eight years later at 49. Meanwhile, family members fought one another for guardianship, and the Mob-connected record label he made wealthy didn't offer a cent of support. Famous for his vocal range and galvanic stage moves, Wilson commanded a range of styles and regularly crossed over from R & B to pop. A big influence on performers from Elvis to Michael Jackson and Prince, he started with the Dominos, then went solo and scored hits with songs by Berry Gordy. In some ways his was the familiar story of a successful, profligate entertainer exploited by his management, who never enjoyed the acclaim and wealth he deserved. Yet he was a pioneer in appealing to whites as well as blacks. Douglas' excellent book, virtually an oral history, brims with the reminiscences of Wilson's former wives and lovers, fellow musicians, bodyguards, and others. This is the portrait of a bigger-than-life personality.Benjamin SegedinCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved