Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson was a renowned American jazz and pop singer, celebrated for her versatile voice blending jazz, R&B, and torch song styles. She won three Grammy Awards and became a prominent figure in music and television over a decades-long career.
Born February 20, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to ironworker Olden Wilson and domestic worker Lillian Ryan, she was the eldest of six children. Music from her father's record collection inspired her early interest in singing, and she honed her skills in church choirs at Burnside Heights Elementary and West High School in Columbus, Ohio. She briefly attended Central State University, studying education, and won a talent contest that led to hosting a local TV show.
Wilson rose to fame in the 1960s after signing with Capitol Records, charting 11 Hot 100 songs and four Top LP albums between 1964 and 1965. Her debut album How Glad I Am earned her first Grammy for Best R&B Recording in 1964, followed by Jazz Vocal wins for R.S.V.P. (2005) and others. She performed with artists like Cannonball Adderley, hosted NPR's Jazz Profiles from 1996 to 2011, and released music into the 21st century before retiring in 2011.
A trailblazer as one of the first African American women to host a national TV show, she starred in the Emmy-winning The Nancy Wilson Show on NBC in 1967-1968. Guest spots included The Andy Williams Show, I Spy, Hawaii Five-O, The Cosby Show, and The Sinbad Show, with film roles in The Killers (1964) and The Meteor Man (1993). Her acting continued into the 2000s.
Wilson received the NEA Jazz Masters award in 2004 and remained active in philanthropy and mentoring until her death on December 13, 2018. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Presbyterian faith, leaving a legacy of crossover success and cultural impact.
Come Get To This
Written-By – Marvin Gaye 3:00
A2 All My Love Comes Down
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 4:03
A3 Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Written-By – James Taylor 3:21
A4 If I Ever Lose This Heaven
Written-By – L. Ware, P. Sawyer 4:35
A5 Happy Tears
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 4:06
B1 Houdini Of The Midnite Hour
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 3:27
B2 This Time Last Summer
Written-By – Jim Web 4:00
B3 He Called Me Baby
Written-By – Harlan Howard 3:51
B4 Like A Circle Never Stops
Featuring – Jennifer Hicklin, John Merlino, Kevin Ward
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 3:30
B5 Boogeyin' All The Way
Written-By – B. Page, G. Page 3:22
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11386
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Jazz
Nancy Wilson's 1975 album Come Get to This is a successful shift into contemporary R&B and soul, earning praise for its lush production and strong vocals, though some critics initially found it inauthentic compared to her jazz roots. Highlights include her cover of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," the funky "Boogeyin' All The Way," and the Marvin Gaye-penned title track, all arranged by Gene Page. The album was commercially successful, reaching the #14 spot on Billboard's Soul chart, and has since been recognized as one of her greatest works.
Many reviewers praised the album's tight arrangements, soulful and powerful vocals, and its funky R&B sound. It was a commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Soul chart. Over time, it has been recognized as one of Wilson's most significant albums.
Some critics initially felt the album's move toward R&B and disco was a calculated attempt to maintain popularity and was less authentic than her jazz work. Some critics noted that while Come Get to This was a great album, its predecessor, All in Love Is Fair, was more cohesive. The sound quality of the recording itself has been praised, with the mix, balance of instruments, and clarity of vocals receiving high marks.
Key tracks
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight": A strong and gutsy cover of the James Taylor song.
"Houdini Of The Midnight Hour": A standout track with a strong arrangement, considered a highlight by some critics.
"Boogeyin' All The Way": Described as fine and funky, it's the album's finale and a fan favorite.
"He Called Me Baby": A notable track featured on the album.
Title track, "Come Get to This": Written by Marvin Gaye, the title track is a highlight of the album.
The album's legacy has grown significantly over time:
It has been noted as one of the most sampled records in hip-hop music.
It was nominated for Album of the Year at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards in 1976.
It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 and included in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2007.
Music outlets like AllMusic praise the album's "lush and expressive R&B" that bridges the gap between jazz and soul audiences.