"Jackie Wilson's Lonely Teardrops" ABC-TV 20/20 - 1988

Reporter Bob Brown's excellent 20/20 report on financial mismanagement and the business of rock and roll as related to JACKIE WILSON. I recorded this 15 minute spot from the ABC-TV news program on VHS in December of 1988. DISCLAIMER: For this post, I had to substitute the opening 45 seconds of footage of Jackie's "Baby Workout" with another performance as Dick Clark Productions blocked use of the clip used in the original news broadcast. The three sentences of voice over narration scrolls in text form during this portion. An epilogue has also been added.

[@bettyriley7295]

This guy was the real deal, folks. One of the finest all-around entertainers in musical history. So sad that his life ended so tragically. But his legacy will live on forever, as an inspiration to all young entertainers. Jackie was something else.

[@kittywisdom4534]

Shame on those who exploited this incredible talent. R.I.P. Jackie Wilson. We luv you!

[@murielioane765]

Jackie Wilson is my favorite singer.I love listening to all of his songs and thank you for sharing the story of his life . TO BE LOVE

[@tonysantiago3222]

Jackie Wilson was my favorite solo soul singer. When I was in the Marine Corps and deployed to Vietnam, I always had his voice and songs on my mind. Whenever we visited a night club in the Pacific, I imitated his dancing style and everybody else in the club would stop to watch me and the girl I with dance. Jackie Wilson was truly a great inspiration to me and many others. RIP Jackie.

[@kerstinwatters7406]

Jackie Wilson and his music will live on as long as we keep his music playing! My 7 and 10 year old girls LOVE his music! We blast it in the car and sing as loud as we can! Never forgotten.

[@johnthomas1679]

There was so many great soul singers in that time,I was 17yrs old and loved them all.All races came together when it came to soul singers.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@travelinman]

Jackie is so underrated. Probably the greatest male vocalist in popular music.

[@paulrelgne2149]

you may want to add Roy Orbison.

[@gloriousbrunson2768]

He absolutely was

[@gloriousbrunson2768]

@@paulrelgne2149 not even!

[@Omega1st]

Jackie Wilson is not underrated, there were two vocal trends one Sam Cooke and the other Jackie Wilson.

[@HypnoticHollywood]

Michael Jackson was the greatest male vocalist since he was 11 years old.

[@foxystream5854]

Rest In Heaven Jackie Wilson 6/9/34 - 1/21/84 and Mary Wilson 3/6/44 - 2/8/21 💔

[@cjlovesmusic5376]

Jackie Wilson is Fantastic, what a creative singer, performer, a beautiful soul! He put the spirit in my soul every time I play his songs!

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

Poor Jackie , so sorry what happened to you,. but you have made me happy even now to hear your old songs. that is your goodness and your glory that you make us still happy . with your songs

[@randlegang4585]

that's why Sam Cooke went out and took control of his own music, his music rights, and his money

[@darnellrandall6442]

That's why he was murdered I believe! Damn shame!

[@geraldsummers8965]

For me Mr. Jackie Wilson was the Best Male vocalist when I was coming up. When U went to any of his concerts U got ur money worth. It's simple to figure out why he died with no money. There was to many crooks with their hands in the cookie jar. RIP Jackie.

[@lindabeckworth8637]

I loved Jackie Wilson. Most people may not know that he and Elvis were close friends. Elvis paid for a lot of Wilson's medical treatment.

[@jamespotter5889]

What a magnificent performer, I visit his grave periodically. I remember being a small child my mother telling me, she used to wait on him for lunch at the towers building in Detroit. Jackie always used to order peanut butter banana and bacon on toasted rye bread. Thank you Jackie for all the wonderful music you haven't given the world. Thank you for touching my soul you will always be remembered.

[@vcrawford1356]

Jackie were Rob of everything he worked so hard now his son doesn't let her father's Legacy die his music lives on.

[@Madminute1968]

Mr. 'Excitement' was Outstanding, may he Forever Rest Easy and in Peace************

[@TheBrownIsland]

Jackie Wilson was always a *Huge Star nominated for Grammys,* a household name, and *Never underrated.* He was dubbed "Mr. Entertainer", Celebrated and received accolades even after his death. *Awards & nominations:* 1961: Grammy Award Nomination | 1968: Grammy Award Nomination 1987: He was *Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame* 1999: *Songs* _"Higher & Higher", "Lonely Teardrops"_ *inducted* into *Grammy Hall of Fame* 2003: *Honored* with the *Rhythm & Blues Foundation Legacy Tribute Award* 2005: Voted into the *Michigan Rock & Roll Legends Hall of Fame* 2013: *Inducted into the R&B Music Hall of Fame*

[@Care960]

Has anybody seen Bobby Wilson...looks just like his dad, sings like his dad even dances like his dad. Was on the music circuit

[@saltwell80]

Hey Martha yes i have seen him he sounds pretty good ,not quite like his dad,Bobby couldn't get the higher range like his dad

[@stevecarlson6462]

Jackie's gifts, his talents were off the chart. His incredible voice was beyond compare. What a dirty shame he was mistreated by the very people who should have treasured him. It's sickening!

[@Brenda-pe9xn]

I Don't Understand Why 😮

[@Brenda-pe9xn]

Can't something be done

[@kamikazekid94]

This is so sad they took advantage of him and robbed him blind. Rest In Peace Jackie

[@kathythomas2831]

Rest in paradise my brother 🙏💔❤💙😢

[@francisrankin4125]

Rest in peace brother God bless you

[@sonjaheck3156]

yes. Makes me sick that people do this, just because they can.

[@dm19609721]

so many artist suffered his fate....Colenel Tom Parker ring a bell?

[@dm19609721]

soooooooooo many black artists were exploited back then.....yet we still get to enjoy the fruits of their exploitations and the legal system after decades of righting this has never triumphed .

[@deepfreezevideo]

I used to know the guy who wrote the movie script for "Lonely Teardrops: The Jackie Wilson Story" but the script was optioned by Suzanne DePasse and shelved back in 1990 and hasn't seen the light of day since. My first wife was the writer's business manager.

[@kiwanishinton9410]

I remember watching this episode with my mom she absolutely loved Jackie Wilson. she said when she was a kid if someone scream Jackie was on TV they would all run home

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Wow,I already know they did run.home.

[@bracemitchell5062]

The record company stole from him and used him.. They did not care about his talent!!! Jackie was greatness.. Unique

[@monilaninetynine3811]

Record companies always take advantage of artists and don't care about them. It's a con.

[@joanietaylor-mitchell8559]

Yo couldn't have had the 50's with out Jackie Wilson talent untold..was a Great in his day of Music

[@RFED2O]

Jackie was a true trailblazer... He sprinkled magic dust on that stage !!!!!

[@timmanana8685]

SO SAD. They stole JW's hard earned money but could never steal his great talent and legacy which continue to outlive and outshine all their greed and cruelty.

[@robertglasper4845]

Man I’m so glad you are bringing this to my attention I truly did not know that Jackie Wilson died the way he did I pray that the great one is resting in peace😎

[@gnahthe]

Classic example of why financial literacy is of prime importance. Learning how the business side of whatever we pursue is mandatory if one doesn’t want to become a casualty of the industry.

[@loisrussell6006]

As a teenager, my first 45 was Jackie Wilson. I was white,very poor & worked hard for my money. Sad to see how he was financially cheated, really hurts my heart ❤️. My favorite 😍

[@treasure2behold282]

Jackie Wilson is a force of nature. Artists were treated like trash, yet the transcended all the evil people.

[@markrauson2050]

Mr excitement Jackie Wilson this man deserved reconition he was a legend no question about it he was a star even singing with Billy wards dominoes

[@clarascott5264]

Jackie Wilson was the best that ever did it and l hope that someday his biography will be brought to life he has a son that would be perfect to play him looks and sings just like him Black Producers got on board with this one too good too miss 👍🏼

[@2020Mastro]

ABSOLUTELY FUCKING SICKING....... CAN'T BELIEVE THERES SUCH ROTTEN PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD .......JACKIE WAS SUCH A GREAT TALENT AND PIONEER......TO HAVE SUCH TRAGIC ENDING

[@AddLoveTM126]

"Mr. EXCITEMENT!"💥 MR. JACKIE WILSON was the EPIC STELLAR EPITOME of ANY Performing Artist, to This Day! His VOCALS LIVE ON.🎤🎼🎵🎶👑❤

[@tedcarter8074]

Greatest of the great. Jackie Wilson The Music Industry was set up to Rip Off entertainers.

[@robinvoag4857]

I hear you!

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Sad but True SMH

[@SouthSideLadyWright]

Poor Jackie Wilson trusted way too much.

[@whitneywilliams317]

One thing I learned, if money is involved, trust no one. Do it yourself, no manager no nothing, managers are your worst enemies as well record companies. Learn the numbers.

[@ronniemoon57]

Many artists, particularly Black ones were victims of the business.

[@PutOnASweater]

@@ronniemoon57 Many White artists got ripped off as well....Even Elvis got ripped off BIG time. Motown ripped off many of they artists as well...look what they did to Marry Well.

[@gloriousbrunson2768]

He didnt LOSE his money...it was stolen frim himlike it was all the black artists in his era..and still others to this day.....SHAME!!!

[@helenmperkinsperkins5593]

Exactly

[@carolbartlett2071]

yes. and not just the black artists. actors and singers of all persuasions were ripped off. judy garland was just one example. given drugs to lose weight to achieve the 'perfect' weight. drugs to wake up and work hours and hours, and drugs to sleep. such a scandal. if they didn't have family or friends to protect them, they were simply thrown to the wolves. sad commentary on an industry that uses talented people who bring so much joy to so many. at least this finally began to change. i hope it continues to do so.

[@lucthomas7626]

And because they could not steal Sam Cooke's money that's why they killed him.

[@tru2me_1]

A travesty

[@kimberlymcintire7070]

Wow

[@PrettyFly4aWi-Fi]

amazing, loved jackie since a was about 11, im 60 now. watta entertainer..........

[@PrettyFly4aWi-Fi]

[@understandingthescripture2907]

So sad to see a man that was so vibrant, full of life to see him in a vegetated state hurt to see it. Singers have a terrible ending

[@lucthomas7626]

This man's life is such a tragedy. His son died of a heart attack, two of his daughters died ( in their twenties ) ; one was killed the other had a drug overdose

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Yes,I heard. It's beyond Horrendous and unbelievable. RIH ❤️

[@monilaninetynine3811]

One of his sons was shot to death

[@luvlyleo2836]

They ripped him off! Just like all the rest 😔. Don’t worry God will always be your vindicator💯

[@everettwilson1416]

That's was the system & at sometime still is. That is why I admire Larry Holmes (the x-boxer) he didn't let it happen to him.

[@user-ev1ki9yx7r]

Loved Jackey Willison 🎶 .So do you know what Larry Holmes is doing these days ..!!?? 🥊🥊 I can think of a few , like Sugar Ray Leonard , we know what happened to Kenny Norton , Big Formen is still around, Howard Cosell , Mr T before he was Mr T, lol Smoking Jo Frazer , Ernie Shavers , John Conforti owner of the Cotton Tail Ranch , back in the day everybody in Hollywood and TV and sports came to Vegas or even lived in Vegas showed up at the flights..the after party's were Beautiful unlike the debauchery of today's celeb behavior..!!

[@laurencemooney8760]

Remember him at Phelps Lounge in Detroit. He came by the house after the show. Quite a personality!

[@marcuswhits6094]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I've been looking for this everywhere!! This is such a miracle. Thank you. I am very happy now.

[@NJNUNEZ]

God bless him. He's a true talent.

[@Misssweetley]

Such a unique voice he was wonderful I love listening to him. But he was way too trusting what a shame. How could anyone with a conscience do that to a young teen trying to make it in the world

[@Allthatwethink]

This is heartbreaking. I ❤️ you Jackie. Let this be a lesson to all of us. Understand your business and never trust any one entity to do it for you.

[@paulaousley6790]

Jackie Wilson had such a great voice, always put on a fantastic show, he was cute, cute ,cute. His misfortune was trusting the wrong people, the ones that had no talent and used him and cheated him

[@racheldoesacrylic4089]

These greats give us so much joy and it makes me mad that they are treated so terribly by the ones who have the money head, god bless him, these times must have been electric to live through, their music was so dam bomb for the time/

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed Ugh

[@eskimojoe6564]

Jackie was the man :)

[@deborahjohnson6834]

No one gets away with evil doing, no one!!

[@davidoverholt251]

So many of our Motown artists were cheated out of the royalties they deserved! And are still being cheated out of the Royalties the errors would deserve!

[@joycecarlton6881]

Sorry all of this bad stuff happened to Jackie Wilson he was one of the greatest rest in peace

[@tomwittner1490]

Jackie ran himself ragged......bedding too many women, late nights, parties..............

[@seanmagee5669]

Yea the "bad stuff", unfortunitly it happened frequently back then. Jackie was fantastic RnR/RnB artist- Little Richard, James Brown an Michael Jackson all in one package. May he rest in peace.

[@seanmagee5669]

@@tomwittner1490 "too many women"! "partying"! Fk sake man: aint that Rock n Roll

[@fostermcphee19]

One of the greatest hands down !!! The managers,agents etc. all crooks He should not have died BROKE !!!

[@johnnywilliams7237]

All who did him wrong .Must know .there is a God and he is still on his throne.RIP.My brother.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed AMEN 🙏

[@tyronerogers6829]

Jackie Wilson rest in peace 🕊️

[@phyllisdeal7160]

One of the GREATS!!!!!

[@karencarbone2603]

Jackie Wilson was one of the greats!

[@wesleyjackson4290]

WHY isn't there a biopic OR in-depth documentary on this man??? 🤔🤔🤔

[@robertjaime6808]

Cause nobody of this generation don’t give a shit about these artists from that era! Movies/ biopics of these artists would have to be shown on BET, GRIO or even Netflix but the movie theaters, they couldn’t compete with movies like Fast & Furious, super hero’s genre or even Lord of The Rings! People who are interested in those kinds of biopics, prefer any way to watch those at home.

[@millisiagardner5863]

I would have loved dancing with him. Loved his music.

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@cathybroadus4411]

This is a Jackie Wilson story not a complete one. Jacki was a wild boy.

[@eq11eq11eq]

It’s so sad 😞how people take advantage of folks

[@thepamela050]

The music industry is not a nice industry..

[@user-dc8iz6bx7i]

Thank you I love you for sharing this information about him. I love him too. His spirit emanates and truly uplifts me. I love you.

[@rosettabosley5562]

His managers stole from Jackie

[@jaajaarogers9101]

Yes he stole it all and got Mafia onto Jackie

[@patriciajohn8196]

Devastating to know that we all enjoyed the fruits of this horrible exploration 💔

[@patfitzpatrick7692]

One of the Greatest

[@sharonasher4412]

jackie got taken advantage of by Brunswickrecords

[@annfrancis1987]

Its a shame what people in trust did to these artists!

[@barbaraepperson1551]

Jackie Wilson love him

[@realbeautyness25]

They hung him out the window by his heels that's what happened to Black artist

[@truhubbard7510]

Very Sad. Greed brings out the Worst in People.

[@rosemaryallison9411]

It was so sad about Jackie Wilson's life but he will come back and have a better life.

[@chrisharper8891]

Love you Jackie and Mary.

[@Gwenethism]

He looked so pitiful in his last days.. SIP Warrior!

[@susieaiken5064]

It's A Shame Before God The Ones Who Calm To Have Loved Him Did Him So Wrong Where Was All The Family Was Who Said They Loved Him That Was 💯 Not No Loved The Man Suffer in Life And On His Death Bed Jackie Sonny Leroy Wilson May Your Soul Rest in Peace You Are Truly Loved And Missed Your Music Lives On Forever Gone But Never Be Forgotten 💖💖💖💖💖 Susie

[@andrethompson2034]

Unfortunately a lot of black artists didn't follow the blueprint Sam Cooke layed out by starting your own label and publishing company and keep a eye on your money. Berry Gordy who wrote a lot of hits for Jackie but only received a 2 or 3 dollar check for hits he'd written took Smokey Robinson advice and started Motown when he said you might as well go into business for yourself. There's a lot of artists today who aren't up on the business side of the music industry and they end up suffering the same fate.

[@cynthiashields5341]

So true, but look what happened to Sam Cooke

[@andrethompson2034]

@@cynthiashields5341 yes it was sad what happened to him, but that was in his personal life. That being said he was up on the business side of things early in his career, he was on top of getting his paper.

[@PutOnASweater]

Not so. Gordy did receive royalty checks, the problems that he and his partner, Billy Davis ( Jackie's cousin) wanted the write the "B"-Side as well as the A-side, therefore making double the royalties. The B- side of s record, gets as much royalties and the A-side when a record is sold...even if it never gets airplay. By starting Motown, he took control of what was release, however, after starting Motown, Berry Gordy "took advantage" of his artists as well. Look up what happened to Mary Wells, the Queen of Motown...very tragic what was done to her. A Disgrace.

[@karenstewart1265]

This is so very sad. His royalties should go to his family. Jackie Wilson's legacy needs to be cleaned up and passed on to his legacy, his family. They should get interest on all the money that was stolen from Jackie Wilson. I love Jackie Wilson and fell in love with his music. My God what a genius this man was and to be treated the way he was with people he trusted was so horrible. Someone please set the record straight for this icon and let him and his family rest in peace. 💕 💕 💕

[@arlenablair8730]

Oh my goodness what a shame such a talented man and then to die with no one there for him but thanks to Jehovah Jackie will have a resurrection and at that time all things will be set straight

[@FrancisNStein]

But.. Jackie..was da MAN God bless him, an' Lawdy Lawdy...WHOAH Lawdy!!

[@earlinegarner4233]

So very sad cause artist want to make it they are still to this day being screwed

[@darrylevans4401]

The late and great Jackie Wilson unbelievable voice. Was ripped off from everything like so many of our great black singers were. I still play The great Jackie Wilson on my internet radio show Classic Soul me The Masterblaster

[@momoftwins8440]

It's a shame that Johnnie Cochran died because prior to his death he was going after the recording industry and their shady dealings. Someone was FINALLY going to open those books to reveal the deception and plantation style operation. I've never understood the large advancement for concerts and touring then having to repay that. It should be part of the album sales and they should receive a larger portion of those sales. How can a record go platinum then an artist charges $500 for a concert ticket? It's too late for that now because as Quincy Jones said, 'the music industry is dead.' Execs drove it into the ground with greed.

[@naturalkinkycurlymarie7496]

*He was never, ever underrated* and a BIG STAR. I know that word "underrated" is a KZbin Favorite but it DOES NOT apply to Jackie Wilson. He was a household name and was Not underrated in the Entertainment industry, among Fans Or other Celebrities. He was very much Celebrated in his time. Like everyone else of his Era, he's gone that's why you don't hear about him as much as when he was alive and rocking.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed AMEN 🙏

[@empressalyasha]

This is hateful and the sad thing is it is still happening today and Jackie Wilsons family NEVER got paid.

[@JamesAHollandMusic]

What most people don’t know is that the music industry has not changed since then. Artists are still being ripped off and the corporations still make millions. There is a reason why only young people are allowed to enter the industry.....they don’t know better. They just want to make it big not realizing that there is a very HIGH price for fame and that fame does NOT mean fortune.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

It's not as bad as that time.

[@sandraoss326]

You know this is sickening I know they did this to Joe Lewis the boxer they kept all his money these people that cheat someone like this should be in prison

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed

[@davidrobinson7112]

Sad story. There are crooks. Cheats and thieves of every type shape and color.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Sad but True SMH This is why now a days people Don trust anyone at all.

[@tabbazzseaye7549]

Jack L. Wilson 1934 - 1984

[@tyusreginald6646]

It's so so 😢 what happened to this iconic legend! Vampires are past and present when it comes to not knowing your legal rights.

[@cyweems]

Those nursing home photos are sad.

[@Smitty54]

Rotten people, so very sad to use and abuse everyone that was ripped off, artist made history and then robbed

[@BluJuliJY]

Shame on Brunswick Record Company and everyone involved in taking advantage of Jackie Wilson.

[@saj8]

Brunswick also screwed over the Chi-lites. And Tyrone Davis.

[@ericacooper336]

Oh,if I wasn't looking at him I would think I was listening to Elvis.This man was an artist.That is why education is so important.If you don't know what is going on at least you have enough sense to get somebody to help you.

[@sheiladavis6523]

Erica Cooper you thinking it was Elvis that"s a big L😂L when was the last time you had your hearing check ? February 21,2021

[@pamwawrzyniec3920]

He was great

[@stevemaclaine4547]

Jackie was the king of kings .

[@aaboo1212]

I'm trying to focus on the video but Mary Wilson was fineee

[@akarr9433]

A true icon...bad management and thieves. Prince MJ JBrown danced alike! Nat your day will come...wrong

[@johoro100]

I can't even watch the last 10 minutes of this. Jackie was the greatest in his day and that white money-grabbers tricked him and used him and robbed the world of getting to make him the star he was meant to be still breaks my old white lady heart who still loves him. Lonely teardrops.

[@PutOnASweater]

It Ain't A White Thing!!! Black Record companies ripped off their artists as well. The first Major Record Company, even before Motown, "VJ Records" ripped off many of their artists. Motown,"THEE Black Record Company" did lots of ripping off as well...look at what happened to Mary Wells and Florence Ballard, and many more. Berry Gordy would put his name as co-writer of many Motown songs, thereby taking half the writer's royalties from the composer. The only color that mattered in the record business back then was Green!

[@nancywood9531]

He had 100k when he collapsed. His guardianship was decided in court. His 4 year girlfriend wanted custody of him to get him better but judge gave custody to his ex...she got his money and royalties over the 9 years . And would not allow Rehabilitation treatment. She ripped him off. Wikileak info. And Mary Wilson was not his sister. She only had 2 brothers....Anthony and Micheal Wilson. Some more wikileaks info. The record company owed him over 2 million dollars at his death but THEIR records said he owed them money. Jackie had 2 tender age children die with no record of cause. His 1u year old son was shot in next door neighbors porch argument...his 47 year old daughter shot in back on drug busy street.... that is only children listed as dead. 4 of them. Sure had tough life. Had 4 children with first wife ( married at 17) married quite a few years but she divorced him when he was with Hamelee ( who got guardianship)

[@dr1023gone]

His managers used him. Dirty dogs!

[@stobyj.5707]

Wow the records company cheated Wilson out of his hard earn music omg

[@ddll1957]

how the hell you think! medical bills! if you were in a hospital for 9 years you'll be broke too