Jackie Wilson: The Man, the Music, the Mob [Hardcover]

Tony Douglas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001

When Jackie Wilson died in 1984, he was buried in a pauper's grave devoid of even a simple marker. Yet at his peak he was one of the 20th century's finest singing talents who, between 1957 and 1968, achieved 24 Top 40 hits in the United States with tracks like "To be loved", "Higher and Higher" and "I Get the Sweetest Feeling". In live performance his amazing vocal range and rapturous, gliding stage style influenced how Elvis Presley sang aand paved the way for Michael Jackson's "Moonwalk". In all aspects he pioneered the crossover of black artists into the more lucrative market of the "white" pop charts. Off stage Wilson's personal life was no less explosive, as he lived every moment and pushed his body to extremes. Professionally controlled by the Mob and hounded by the taxman, he embarked on three marriages and untold extra-marital affairs. He suffered massive alcohol dependency and chronic addicton to amphetamines and cocaine. Shot and critically wounded by a demented fan in 1961, he was later immobilised by a heart attack in 1975 and remained in a vegetative state until his death nine years later.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

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 Segedin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

“Douglas’ excellent book, virtually an oral history, brims with the reminiscences of Wilson’s former wives and lovers, fellow musicians, bodyguards, and others. -- BOOKLIST

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 266 pages
• Publisher: Mainstream Publishing Company, Ltd. (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840184132
• ISBN-13: 978-1840184136
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,062,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE GREATEST: JACKIE WILSON, April 28, 2002

By 

Delores Thomas (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jackie Wilson: The Man, the Music, the Mob (Hardcover)

Tony Douglas' book, "Jackie Wilson:The Man, The Music, The Mob," far surpasses Mr. Douglas' talents. Mr. Douglas' book, "Jackie Wilson: Lonely Teardrops," was fantastic and now Mr. Douglas comes back with an even greater book. For the people who never knew Jackie they can now educate themselves on this exceptional man and find out why Jackie was, "Mr. Excitement." Mr. Douglas did years of research and has covered a lot of ground work. He has talked to the people that knew Jackie and loved him. This is an exceptional book taken from the heart of one man.

Mr. Douglas went a step further he spoke with one of the bravest woman of Jackie's life, Freda Wilson, Jackie's wife of 13 years. She sacrificed it all for Jackie to be a star. Jackie was the greatest R & B artist that ever lived and if he had survived he would have blown everyone away with his astonishing talent and charisma. He was the one and only, "Mr. Excitement."

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best artists in pop music, September 29, 2001

By 

Gloria (CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jackie Wilson: The Man, the Music, the Mob (Hardcover)

As a self-admitted Jackie-phile, I have always been ho-hum concerning "new" writings about Jackie because it is usually information already known or totally biased to Jackie's good or bad side. Tony Douglas has managed to balance both sides of Jackie Wilson, letting the reader find the truth about Jackie's personal demons but in such a way that we are able to see from where and why the defects of character evolved, allowing us to have empathy for Jackie. The negative is balanced with insights to Jackie's better traits and always gives Jackie the respect he is due. I give the author great credit for not using any of the horrible pictures taken of Jackie during his long illness.
The author's research is extensive and factual when compared to interviews I have done with some of Jackie's old friends in the industry. The time the author took to locate so many sources and conduct inteviews is testament to his admiration of this great vocal artist, and yet he pulls no punches in presenting the truth. I would consider this a must read for Jackie's fans who are interested in a well-rounded account of Jackie's life, not to mention the truth about the entertainment industry and how artists like the legendary Jackie Wilson were used, cheated and manipulated. This book was well worth the price and is one I will read again.
Gloria Godwin

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breath taking, May 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Jackie Wilson: The Man, the Music, the Mob (Hardcover)

This book is unique. I've read books about Jackie LeRoy Wilson but this book by far is the best i've read. It cuts right to the chase and gives you information that's clear and not a run around. Also, gives you some pictures of Jackie that are in color. I recommend this book.