🌟 The Birth of “Mr. Excitement”
In 1957, the world of rhythm and blues was electrified by the arrival of Jackie Wilson, a singer whose voice could soar into falsettos with effortless grace and whose stage presence was pure dynamite. Wilson wasn’t just a vocalist; he was a performer who turned every stage into a whirlwind of movement. His spins, drops, and slick footwork earned him the nickname “Mr. Excitement”, and his debut solo single, “Reet Petite”, was the perfect showcase for that energy. Written by Berry Gordy (who would later found Motown Records), the track was playful, brimming with charisma, and an early glimpse of how Wilson would influence the future of soul and pop music.
🔥 The First Spark: 1957
When “Reet Petite” was released, it caught attention for its unique sound. It was raw R&B polished with a touch of pop – a formula that would later define Motown’s success. In the U.S., the song didn’t climb very high, but in the U.K., it struck a chord. The British audience embraced Jackie Wilson’s mix of smooth crooning and uncontainable energy. This marked his first appearance on the U.K. charts, setting the stage for an international career. While he would go on to have bigger hits in America (“Lonely Teardrops,” “To Be Loved,” “Higher and Higher”), “Reet Petite” held a special charm as the song that introduced him to the world.
🎤 The Performer Who Changed the Game
Jackie Wilson’s contribution to music went beyond chart numbers. On stage, he set the blueprint for the rock ’n’ roll frontman. Long before James Brown perfected his cape routine or Michael Jackson stunned audiences with the moonwalk, Wilson was dazzling crowds with his high-octane dancing, his magnetic charisma, and a voice that could melt into a whisper or soar into a scream. He bridged gospel passion with R&B grit, influencing everyone from Elvis Presley to Prince.
But Wilson’s life offstage was stormy. Fame came with struggles – personal battles, financial troubles, and a reputation for wild living. Behind the brilliance of “Mr. Excitement” was a man often at war with himself.
💿 The Resurrection: 1986
Then, almost three decades later, something extraordinary happened. In 1986, a clay animation music video for “Reet Petite” was created and broadcast on British television. Suddenly, the quirky, colorful video struck a chord with a new generation who had never heard Jackie Wilson before. The result? “Reet Petite” shot back up the U.K. charts, this time climbing all the way to No.1 – nearly 30 years after its original release.
It was a stunning comeback, though tragically, Jackie himself was not there to witness it. By then, Wilson had already suffered a heart attack on stage in 1975, which left him in a coma for years until his passing in 1984. The man was gone, but his voice and spirit found their way back into the spotlight.
🌹 A Legacy That Endures
The rebirth of “Reet Petite” in the 1980s symbolized something profound: great music never dies. Jackie Wilson may have been absent, but his artistry proved timeless. From his soulful phrasing to his electrifying performances, his influence can be traced in Motown’s rise, in soul music’s growth, and in the pop icons who followed.
Artists like Elvis Presley openly admired him, James Brown borrowed from his stagecraft, and Michael Jackson once called him a hero. To this day, Wilson is celebrated as one of the greatest voices in popular music, a performer who embodied the very meaning of soul.
✨ Conclusion
“Reet Petite” is more than a song – it’s a symbol of Jackie Wilson’s journey. First, it was the beginning of his solo career in 1957, announcing the arrival of “Mr. Excitement.” Then, almost 30 years later, it became the anthem of his posthumous rebirth, reminding the world of his unmatched talent. Jackie Wilson lived fast, sang hard, and left too soon, but his voice continues to echo across generations.
And if you listen closely to “Reet Petite”, you’ll hear it – the joy, the energy, the spark of a man who could set the world on fire with just one note.