Jack Leroy “Jackie” Wilson, Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American singer and performer. Known as “Mr. Excitement”, Wilson was important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was considered a master showman, one of the most dynamic and influential singers and performers in R&B and rock history. Gaining fame in his early years as a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, he went solo in 1957 and recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop and easy listening. During a 1975 benefit concert, he collapsed on stage from a heart attack and subsequently fell into a coma that persisted nearly nine years until his death in 1984. By this time, he had become one of the most influential artists of his generation. A two-time Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Jackie Wilson entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 69th on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
