Al Wilson, Soul Singer,Songwriter "Show and Tell", Dies at 68

[needlefingers]

April 24, 2008

Al Wilson, Soul Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 68

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
FONTANA, Calif. (AP) — Al Wilson, the soul singer and songwriter who had hits in the 1970s including “Show and Tell,” died here Monday. He was 68.

The cause was kidney failure, said his son, Tony Wilson.

Al Wilson was born on June 19, 1939, in Meridian, Miss.

He sang in the church choir as a boy and had his own spiritual singing quartet. His family moved to San Bernardino in 1958 and he found work as a mail carrier, office clerk and janitor.

He toured for four years with the group Johnny “Legs” Harris and the Statesmen before joining the Navy. After a two-year stint he moved to Los Angeles and played with the Jewels and their successor group, the Rollers. A drummer, he also worked with the instrumental group the Souls.

In 1966, Mr. Wilson was spotted by the manager Marc Gordon, who introduced him to the singer Johnny Rivers, who signed him to his Soul City label. Mr. Wilson’s first single, “The Snake,” in 1968, was a hit and was followed by “Do What You Gotta Do.”

“Show and Tell” was released in 1973 and the next year was No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart.

Wilson had several other hit singles, including “La La Peace Song,” “I’ve Got a Feeling (We’ll Be Seeing Each Other Again)” and “Count the Days.”

In later years he continued to tour clubs in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

In addition to his son, Wilson is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughters, Alene Harris and Sharon Burley; a brother, Eddie Wilson; his sisters Lottie Ross, Ruby Conyers and Maebell Cole; and 13 grandchildren.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/arts/music/24wilson.html?ref=obituaries



RIP Al. Always loved this song.

[needlefingers]

And something a little more beat-tinged by him;

Al Wilson - I've Got A Feeling (We'll Be Seeing Each Other Again)

[needlefingers]

And I forgot all about this song. This was a great one.

Al Wilson - The Snake



Another "The Snake" video with the lyrics

[Disco Funk]

He also did a nice album in Philadelphia in '79, which featured this great cut:



But Show & Tell was his signature tune for me, with its Philly-esque tom tom beat. I always loved the way he sings the last bridge in a higher range in that song. Great tune.

On another Philly note, the song 'I've Got A Feeling' was covered by The First Choice on their Let Us Entertain You LP:

RIP Al.

Disco Funk

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Originally Posted by needlefingers

And something a little more beat-tinged by him;
Al Wilson - I've Got A Feeling (We'll Be Seeing Each Other Again)

I knew I'd heard that before, by a female lead.
It was also recorded, the same year (1976)

[needlefingers]

Here is another song recorded by him done by someone else.

??????????

Al Wilson - I Won't Last A Day Without You

[needlefingers]

Oh I found it. It was The Carpenters.

By the way, DF, I love that Earthquake song. Gonna have to get it. Thanks.

[efunk_adelic]

Show & Tell

one of the most recognizable and best pop/soul songs ever recorded!
R.I.P.

[darrens]

Originally Posted by needlefingers

Oh I found it. It was The Carpenters.

By the way, DF, I love that Earthquake song. Gonna have to get it. Thanks.

It was released on green vinyl in the UK. I bought this 12" single a few years ago not knowing what it sounded like!

Al Wilson Earthquake / Is This The End (12") Disco Music.com

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Originally Posted by needlefingers

Here is another song recorded by him done by someone else. ??????????
Al Wilson - I Won't Last A Day Without You

Diana Ross in 1973, on the "Touch Me In The Morning" LP.
Also Paul Williams (original writer), Andy Williams, Maureen McGovern, Barbra Striesand, Robert Goulet