Jackie Wilson
Higher and Higher
Org Music
Higher and Higher was an iconic album released by Jackie Wilson, also known as βMr. Excitementβ, in 1967. It was originally on the Brunswick Records label, and has been reissued by Org Music, using the original Brunswick masters.
It goes without saying that Higher and Higher was a brilliant album back then, and it remains a brilliant album today.
Jackie Wilson was a universally admired R&B pioneer before his tragic passing at the age of 49 in 1984. Wilson influenced artists like Elvis Presley (and was also influenced by Presley in turn), James Brown, and Michael Jackson. In fact, Jackson dedicated his 1984 Grammy win for Thriller to Wilsonβs memory.
The title track, βHigher and Higherβ, is probably the best-known cut on the record, and showcases Wilsonβs versatility and range as a vocalist.
βSoulvilleβ has that classic horn sound that The Funk Brothers, Motownβs in-house horn section, provided for countless artists during Motownβs heyday. Instead of using Brunswickβs horn players, Wilson opted to go with The Funk Brothers, which was a major factor in the popularity of Higher and Higher.
The last track on the album, the gospel-infused βWhen Will Our Day Comeβ, offers up another example of just how flawless Wilsonβs voice was at his peak.
Re-releases like these are important for preserving historically significant albums, and for inspiring a new generation of listeners. Wilson was an incredible performer and deserves to be remembered. Kudos to Org Music for taking on this project.
Label Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JACKIE WILSON – HIGHER AND HIGHER
Tony Stuart
