Jackie Wilson

Unquestionably one of the most dynamic performers in the history of rock-n-roll, Jackie Wilson was an early superstar of R&B thanks to such explosive hits as "Reet Petite," "Lonely Teardrops," "Baby Workout" and "(Your Love is Lifting Me) Higher and Higher)." His multi-octave voice and high-energy stage performances made him one of the most popular music acts of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and had a profound influence on Elvis Presley, James Brown and Michael Jackson, each of whom drew from Wilson for their own historic careers. After a few quiet years, he resurfaced at the end of the '60s with the bona fide soul classic "Higher and Higher." He remained a staple of oldies shows until suffering a heart attack in 1975, which left him semi-comatose until his death in 1984. For decades after his passing, Wilson's best work remained a high water mark for R&B performers, who strove to emulate his volcanic energy and limitless vocal skill.