Wilson's solo career begin with 1957's "Reet Petite", written by the then unknown Berry Gordy, Jr. and recorded on the Brunswick Records label with whom Wilson would remain throughout his career. He had his first top 40 hit in 1958 with "To Be Loved". At the end of that year he had his first big success with "Lonely Teardrops" that went to #7 on the charts. The song, also written by Berry Gordy, Jr. became his signature tune. That same year saw Wilson release his first LP titled He's So Fine.
Wilson's brand of pop-soul and R&B helped him cross over to the mainstream, having several pop hits. His dynamic stage performances earned him the nickname "Mr. Excitement". His performance of "Lonely Teardrops" on the Ed Sullivan Show is considered one of its classics. In the 1960s, Wilson continued to record singles, many of them operatic, such as "Danny Boy" or "Night", others were up-tempo and exciting, such as "Baby Workout" in 1963. Although married to Frida Hood since 1951, Wilson was a notorious womanizer and was shot and wounded by one of his alleged lovers, Juanita Jones, on February 15 1961 in a jealous rage as he returned to his apartment with another woman, fashion model Harlean Harris, an ex-girlfriend of singer Sam Cooke. As a married man conducting extra-marital affairs, his management decided, as a way not to damage his career, to concoct a story that Jones was an obsessed fan who threatened to shoot herself, and that Wilson's intervention concluded in him being shot. Astonishingly, the story was accepted, and no charges were brought against Juanita Jones. He was divorced from Frida in 1965, and married Harlean Harris from 1967 until his death in 1984.
His career began to suffer in the mid-60s, though he managed a brief revival by collaborating with Carl Davis, a legendary Chicago producer. This resulted in two hits, "Whispers" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher". The revival was short-lived, though, and Wilson rarely charted in the 1970s. Wilson suffered a massive heart attack while playing a Dick Clark show at the Latin Casino in New Jersey on September 29, 1975, falling head-first to the stage; he was singing "Lonely Teardrops". A comatose Wilson lived in a hospital until his death in 1984 at age 49. His medical costs were paid for by Dick Clark. In 1985, successful soul/funk band The Commodores, recorded "Nightshift" which was a song in memory of Wilson, as well as soul singer Marvin Gaye, who died in the same year as Wilson.
Van Morrison also recorded a tribute song called "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)" on his 1972 hit album Saint Dominic's Preview. This song was later covered by Dexy's Midnight Runners. When the track was performed on the British TV show Top of the Pops, a picture of Wilson was intended to be used in the background - but an intentional joke by the band and the production staff meant that a picture of darts player Jocky Wilson was used instead. Wilson is mentioned in the rap song "thugs mansion" Tupac and Nas. The exact quote is, "Seen a show with Marvin Gaye last night, it had me shook Drinkinn peppermint Schnapps, with Jackie Wilson, and Sam Cooke".
Wilson scored a posthumous hit when "Reet Petite" reached number one in the United Kingdom in 1986. The following year,he also hit the UK charts again with "I Get The Sweetest Feeling"(No.3), and "Higher and Higher"(No.11). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987; that same year, he was portrayed in the Richie Valens biopic La Bamba by Howard Huntsberry.
Wilson is interred in the Westlawn Cemetery in Wayne, Michigan.
That's Why
Jackie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way you make me right when I am wrong
The way you sacrifice just for me
Just how lucky can a poor man be?
That is why (that's why I love you so)
That is why (that's why I love you so)
Don't you know, baby? (That's why I love you so)
The way you rub my back when I'm in pain
The way you soothe me so I won't complain
And then you kiss me with your ruby red lips
It thrills me so, I turn a back-over flip
That is why (that's why I love you so)
Don't you know, baby? (That's why I love you so)
That is why (that's why I love you so)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I want the world to know
If Shakespeare thought that Juliet
Really loved Romeo from the time they met
Uh he would blow his top if he could see
Just how you've been loving me
The way you rub my back when I'm in pain
The way you soothe me so I won't complain
And when you kiss me with your ruby red lips
It thrills me so, I turn a back-over flip
That is why (that's why I love you so)
That is why (that's why I love you so)
Come on now baby (that's why I love you so)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I want take it easy baby (that's why I love you so)
Take it easy honey (that's why I love you so)
Don't you know, now (that's why I love you so)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I want one more time now
(That's why I love you so) come on, come on baby, hmm honey
The lyrics to Jackie Wilson's "That's Why" are a romantic tribute to a lover who makes the singer feel complete and fulfilled. The verses celebrate the way this special person makes the singer feel loved and appreciated, even in moments of pain or weakness. The chorus repeats the phrase "that's why I love you so" to emphasize the depth and intensity of the singer's feelings.
The first verse highlights the way this person makes the singer feel accepted and forgiven, even when they make mistakes. The second verse focuses on the way this person cares for the singer physically and emotionally, providing comfort and joy. The bridge takes a playful turn, suggesting that even the greatest love stories of all time (as represented by Romeo and Juliet) pale in comparison to the singer's love for this person.
Line by Line Meaning
The way you make me feel like I belong
You make me feel accepted and welcomed in your presence.
The way you make me right when I am wrong
You help me correct my mistakes and steer me in the right direction.
The way you sacrifice just for me
You are willing to give up your own needs and wants for my happiness and well-being.
Just how lucky can a poor man be?
I am grateful and fortunate to have someone like you in my life.
That is why (that's why I love you so)
I love you for all the reasons I just listed.
Don't you know, baby? (That's why I love you so)
I want you to understand why I love you so much.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I want the world to know
I want everyone to know how much you mean to me.
The way you rub my back when I'm in pain
You offer physical comfort and support when I am experiencing discomfort or pain.
The way you soothe me so I won't complain
You calm me down and prevent me from dwelling on negative feelings or thoughts.
And then you kiss me with your ruby red lips
Your affectionate gestures, like kissing, make me feel desired and loved.
It thrills me so, I turn a back-over flip
Your love and affection bring me immense joy and excitement, enough to make me do a backflip.
If Shakespeare thought that Juliet
Even Shakespeare, who wrote the iconic love story of Romeo and Juliet, would be impressed by our love.
Really loved Romeo from the time they met
If Juliet could truly love Romeo from the moment they met, just imagine how deep our own love must be.
Uh he would blow his top if he could see
Shakespeare would be blown away by the intensity and passion of our love.
Just how you've been loving me
The way you express your love to me is beyond anything I could have imagined or hoped for.
Come on now baby (that's why I love you so)
I am urging you to understand the depth and meaning behind why I love you so much.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I want take it easy baby (that's why I love you so)
Our love is so effortless and natural, it is easy for me to love you so much.
Take it easy honey (that's why I love you so)
Our love brings a sense of calm and ease to my life, and that is a big reason why I love you so much.
Don't you know, now (that's why I love you so)
I am making it clear to you why I love you so much and I hope you understand.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I want one more time now
I want to express my love for you one more time, with all the same passion and intensity.
(That's why I love you so) come on, come on baby, hmm honey
One more time, I want to tell you how much I love you and how important you are to me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY JR GORDY, GWENDOLYN GORDY FUQUA, TYRAN CARLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bestpossible World
You realize, of course, Jackie was singing live. He had real talent.
Timothy Wells
One of the most dynamic performers ever. Great voice and great moves. It doesn't get any better..
Gobgobgabgalab
@TheSoulTwins obviously???
TheSoulTwins
+Timothy Wells You do realise that Jackie Wilson's dead don't you?
Steven CB
+Timothy Wells So many to choose from but him and Marvin Gaye are by far great voice but what JW has is them moves so nimble, light and smooth brother gave us a gift.
Jim Cowan
Wow! Just listening Again! This Man is Still Incredible!!! Jackie Always blows me away with his Incredible Voice!!! He’s Definitely the GOAT!!!
Tim Barton
One of the greatest singers--ever! Splendid performer as well!
sukimalooki30
I love Jackie Wilson, he has such a God given talent. Totally natural!
bubblesthebikerbabe
No swearing or obscene gestures... just plain outstanding talent, plus class! Love him! :)
Dominique Harrison
He definitely was obscene lol you must’ve not seen, read or known about his performances