The man dubbed “Mr. Excitement” brings us today’s classic song of the day. The man is Jackie Wilson and the song is “Whispers (Gettin’ Louder).” Released as a single in August of 1966, this track peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on Billboard’s Top Selling R&B Singles chart.
“Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” is a perfect example of Chicago soul, notable for its interesting and sophisticated instrumentation blended with soulful vocals. The instrumental backing on this one was provided by the Funk Brothers, having taken a road trip from Detroit. Backing vocals were by the Andantes, who sang backup on more Motown hits than you can count. The record was released on Chicago’s Brunswick Records.
“Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” was written by Barbara Acklin and David Scott. Ms. Acklin was a singer herself, famous for songs like “Love Makes a Woman” and the original recording of “Am I the Same Girl.” As a songwriter, her biggest hit would come in the following decade, with “Have You Seen Her,” a hit for the Chi-Lites.
By the way, Ms. Acklin’s nickname was “Peaches,” and that nickname got worked into the lyrics. Listen for Jackie Wilson to exclaim “Don’t you hear it, Peaches?” several times on the recording.
Jackie Wilson got his nickname, “Mr. Excitement,” from his electrifying live performances. After singing with the Dominoes and other vocal groups early in his career, he went solo in 1957 and signed with Brunswick Records. His debut single, “Reet Petite,” was released that same year and he had a ton more hits over the years, including “Lonely Teardrops” (1958), “That’s Why (I Love You So)” (1959), “Night” (1960), “Alone at Last” (1960), “My Empty Arms” (1960), “I’m Comin’ on Back to You” (1961), “Baby Workout” (1963), and his final big one, “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” (1967).
Jackie Wilson’s career was marred by tragedy when he suffered a massive heart attack onstage in 1975. He remained in a coma until his death in 1984 at age 49.
