Nicknamed Mr. Excitement, Wilson was a Grammy Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who helped R&B transition into soul.
He dropped out of high school at age fifteen and briefly competed as an amateur boxer.
He had six #1 R&B hits, including "You Better Know It" and "Doggin' Around."
He had seven children with his ex-wives Freda Hood and Harlean Harris.
His second wife, Harlean Harris, was Sam Cooke's ex-girlfriend.
