Where The Street Has Jackie Wilson’s Name
The soul man they called “Mr. Excitement” is getting his own street. Jackie Wilson, the R&B star who was a major influence on so many other performers with his dynamic stage presence and remarkable, four-octave voice, is to have a marker in his name in his birthplace of Detroit.
The city of Highland Park in Metro Detroit, Michigan, has announced in conjunction with the Jackie Wilson Foundation (run by his daughter, Brenda Wilson) that a block of Cottage Grove Street, just off Woodward, is to be renamed Jackie Wilson Lane.
“He was one of the most important singers of his time,” says Mayor Hubert Yopp. “People come from all over the world to see Motown, to see where the Temptations practiced. Jackie Wilson actually grew up on Cottage Grove. Our city is growing, it’s kind of starting over. This will help us promote our city.” Yopp has a personal connection to the singer, as he went to Highland Park High School with Wilson’s sister, Joyce.
The renaming ceremony will take place at 6pm this Saturday (20), inside the studios of WHPR-TV in Highland Park. David Washington, who presents WPON’s 20 Grand Revue, will host the occasion, and Mayor Yopp will speak. A number of the singer’s surviving children are due to attend, as is Mary Wilson of the Supremes, who will be in the city to host the following evening’s induction ceremony for the Official Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, in Dearborn.
UK English
Billy Ferrell
August 18, 2016 at 12:00 am
In my mind there was no soulful entertainer with the vocality and stage presence like Jackie. Jackie could spin around, come up, do the splits right on time with the music _ while singing in his natural first tenor voice. Jackie could have been an opera singer. No one equaled the dance steps, the voice of Jackie Wilson.
Dawn Bell
August 18, 2016 at 2:43 am
I remember and loved all of Jackie Wilson’s songs from “Lonely Teardrop” to “A Woman A Lover A Friend” “You Better Stop Dogging Me Around”. No one can sing like Jackie Wilson could back then.
Dawn Bell
August 18, 2016 at 2:48 am
Hello,
I remember every song Jackie ever song, from “Lonely Teardrops”, To “A Woman A Lover A Friend.” No one can sing like Jackie Wilson could sing those songs.
Kathryn Elich
August 18, 2016 at 6:21 am
Jackie Wilson gets a block named Jackie Wilson Lane.
From me and my sisters who were old enough :
We’ll be there in spirit.
Your love is lifting him higher!
Can only imagine, He will be right at home. Lovely.
Leona
August 19, 2016 at 2:24 am
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for remembering Jackie. I loved Jackie Wilson. Saw him at the Pershing in Chicago.
Lee Boyall
August 21, 2016 at 4:08 pm
LONG, LONG, LONG overdue tribute to the greatest singer and mover of all time. As an Englishman, I am perplexed why the USA went crazy over The Beatles when you had this amazing talent on your doorstep. I love all the great artists in all types of music, but absolutely nobody compares to Jackie Wilson. Elvis (another favourite of mine) wanted to hide under the table and James Brown (and another favourite of mine) wouldn’t take him on – enough said. I wish he was alive to see this fantastic tribute, but I am delighted for his family to see this day, so a massive thank you to all who have made this a reality – and a massive thank you to Jackie for providing me with years and years of endless amazing magic, of which I never tire of listening to and watching on film.
Judy
October 27, 2016 at 1:53 am
I loved Jackie Wilson
Gary Smith
March 15, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Saw Mr Wilson preform at Wigan Casino,England , magical
Glenda
March 8, 2019 at 9:29 pm
I am to know this I love his music play it everyday my favorite song of his is No Pity they should do specials on TV about him like they do everyone else