Biography
Nancy Wilson was born on February 20, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Olden Wilson and Lillian Ryan. She began singing at a young age, participating in church choirs and eventually leading them by the age of 10. Wilson's early influences included Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, and Ruth Brown. She attended Central State University but left to pursue a career in music, moving to New York City in 1960. There, she quickly gained prominence with her debut single 'Guess Who I Saw Today' and went on to record over 70 albums across multiple genres, including jazz, blues, and pop. Her career spanned five decades, earning her three Grammy Awards and recognition as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2004. Wilson was also an actress and activist, known for her civil rights work and appearances on television. She retired from live performances in 2011 and passed away on December 13, 2018. Wilson's musical style was versatile, earning her the nickname 'song stylist,' and she was celebrated for her smooth, expressive voice and ability to blend genres seamlessly. Her legacy includes being one of the most successful vocalists of her time, with numerous chart-topping albums and singles like '(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am.' Wilson's impact on jazz and pop music remains significant, and she is remembered as a consummate entertainer and a powerful voice in the music industry. Her contributions to civil rights and her influence on younger artists further solidify her enduring legacy.
Fun Facts
- Nancy Wilson began singing at the age of 4 and was leading her church choir by 10.
- She won a local TV talent show at 15, which led to regular appearances on a show called 'Skyline Melodies'.
- Wilson was a key participant in the civil rights movement, marching in the Selma March of 1965.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Cannonball Adderley - Influential jazz saxophonist who encouraged Wilson to move to New York and collaborate on music (Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley) [1960s]
- John Levy - Jazz manager who helped Wilson achieve her early career goals (Early career management) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- George Shearing - Pianist with whom Wilson performed (Various jazz performances) [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Diana Krall - Influenced by Wilson's jazz style and versatility (Krall's jazz albums) [1990s-2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Something Wonderful | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley | 1962 | Album |
| How Glad I Am | 1964-01-01 | Album |
| Welcome To My Love | 1968-01-01 | Album |
| The Swingin's Mutual (Expanded Edition / Remastered) | 1961 | Album |
| All of You | 2011-09-19 | Album |
| Today, Tomorrow, Forever | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Like In Love | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| But Beautiful (Expanded Edition) | 1969 | Album |
| Lush Life | 1995-01-01 | Album |
| Yesterday's Love Songs, Today's Blues (Expanded Edition) | 1963 | Album |
| Guess Who I Saw Today: Nancy Wilson Sings Of Lost Love | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| Gentle Is My Love | 1965-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Wish You Love - 2004 Remastered/Remixed (Something Wonderful)
- The Masquerade Is Over (Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley)
- Save Your Love For Me (Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley)
- (You Don't Know) How Glad I Am (How Glad I Am)
- The Boy From Ipanema (How Glad I Am)
- The Nearness of You (All of You)
- Never Will I Marry (Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley)
- The Nearness Of You - Remastered (The Swingin's Mutual (Expanded Edition / Remastered))
- For Once In My Life - Remastered/1994 (Welcome To My Love)
- What A Little Moonlight Can Do - Remastered (Something Wonderful)
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #pop, #pop-soul
References
Heard on WWOZ
nancy wilson has been played 21 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.