Al Wilson
Al Wilson (1939-2008) was an American soul singer best known for his million-selling 1973 #1 hit, "Show and Tell," and the Northern Soul anthem "The Snake," rising from poverty in Mississippi to musical stardom through dedication, Navy service, and signing with Johnny Rivers' Soul City Records, leaving a legacy as a smooth vocalist before his passing from kidney failure.
Born Allen LaMar Wilson on June 19, 1939, in Meridian, Mississippi, he started singing in church, formed a spiritual quartet by age 12, and performed country/western covers. His family moved to San Bernardino, California, where he worked odd jobs (mail carrier, janitor) and learned drums.
He toured with Johnny Harris and the Statesmen, then sang with R&B groups like The Jewels in Los Angeles. He was discovered by manager Marc Gordon and signed with Johnny Rivers' Soul City label in 1966.
His first single "The Snake" (1968) became a hit and a massive Northern Soul favorite in the UK. His signature song, "Show and Tell" (1973), written by Jerry Fuller, became a #1 hit, selling over a million copies and earning gold status. He followed up with "Do What You Gotta Do" and "I've Got a Feeling". He continued touring and recording, releasing albums like Spice of Life (2001).
He was honored by the California State Assembly in 1999 for his musical contributions. Al Wilson died on April 21, 2008, from kidney failure, survived by his wife and children.
Greatest Hits
2. My Song 03:45
3. Do What You Gotta Do 03:18
4. Touch And Go 03:08
5. Bachelor Man 02:00
6. Be Concerned 03:10
7. Having A Party 03:12
8. Love Me Gentle, Love Me Blind 03:59
9. I Stand Accused 03:30
10. You Do The Right Things 02:39
11. Show And Tell 03:28
12. Broken Home 03:43
13. Keep On Loving You 04:18
14. Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) 03:03
15. Queen Of The Ghetto 02:53
16. I'm A Weak Man 03:24
17. I'm Out To Get You 03:36
18. Poor Side Of Town 03:53
19. How's Your Love Life 02:48
20. Willoughby Brook 03:41
21. Moonlightin' 03:37
22. Medley: I Won't Last A Day / Let Me Be The One 05:53
23. Going Through The Motions 03:17
24. Brother, Where Are You 03:44
25. Born On The Bayou 02:56
Label: Good Time
Released: 2024
County: US
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
This double-disc album features 25 tracks, including Al Wilson's signature #1 hit, "Show and Tell".
The album is available for purchase on CD from Amazon.com, and as high-quality digital files from Bandcamp.
DOWNLOAD IN MP3, FLAC AND MORE HERE
Weighing In
A2 Somebody To Love (Gary St. Clair, Tim O'Brien 3:19)
A3 Settle Me Down (John Stevenson 2:43)
A4 Things Are Changing (Donald Paschal 2:43)
A5 All For You (Keith Mansfield, Scott English 2:38)
A6 Listen To Me (Lola Cantrell, Ray Augustine 3:12)
B1 The Last Phonograph Record (William Justice, Robert Miller 2:38)
B2 You Do The Right Things (Leon Ware, Scott Barnes 2:44)
B3 The Magic Of Your Mind (Leon Ware, Scott Barnes 2:37)
B4 Amen Brother (Lola Cantrell, Ray Augustine 2:25)
B5 Keep On Loving You (Darrye Gene Brooks, Ugene Dozier, Ted Wilson 4:23)
B6 Quick Reaction (George Young, Harry Vanda 3:21)
Label: Rocky Road Records – RR 3600
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Al Wilson's 1973 album Weighing In is a smooth soul album showcasing his gritty, famed soul vocals, but generally contains material considered less impactful than his major hits. It was released as his second album on Rocky Road records, preceding the chart-topping Show and Tell.
Critics praise Wilson's consistent and arresting smooth, soulful voice. His distinctive style is noted for effectively capturing fans across different demographics.
The album is primarily categorized as smooth soul, infused with an essence of 1960s rock and R&B elements.
While Wilson's vocals are consistently strong, some reviews suggest that the album suffered from a lack of the "right material". One AllMusic review mentions that, aside from a couple of tracks, there "isn't much to write home about here, although Wilson's singing is always arresting, even if the songs seem to unravel almost before they can get off the ground".
Notable tracks often mentioned include the cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Born on the Bayou," "All for You," and "The Magic of Your Mind".
For fans of Al Wilson's vocal style, Weighing In offers a solid performance, but it is generally considered a transitional or lesser-known album compared to the highly successful Show and Tell, which followed it in the same year. Retrospective reissues have highlighted its value to collectors and soul enthusiasts, especially the 50th-anniversary orange vinyl edition for Record Store Day in 2023.