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.
By Kristina Hernandez
Staff Writer
R&B singer/songwriter Al Wilson, best known for his hit single, "Show and Tell," died Monday of kidney failure at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fontana, according to a family spokesperson.
He was 68.
Born on June 19, 1939, in Meridian, Miss., Wilson moved to the San Bernardino area in 1958, and worked odd jobs as a mail carrier, janitor, and office clerk before touring for four years with Johnny Harris and the Statesmen.
After a two-year stint in the Navy, Wilson moved to Los Angeles and played local clubs, performing with the Jewels and the Souls before being signed by manager Marc Gordon in 1966. He released his first single, "The Snake," in 1968.
Growing up, Wilson would enter any singing competition he could, sometimes performing alongside Temptations member David Ruffin, said Wilson's son, Tony Wilson of Yucaipa.
"He was always singing," he said. "He would call me in the middle of the night with a new song that he had written and say, `Hey, you gotta listen to this new tune."'
"Show and Tell," was released in 1973 and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1974.
Wilson spent his time traveling from San Bernardino to Los Angeles to create his music, said his son, and in his spare time enjoyed his prized cockatoos and spending time with his grandchildren, Sean and Brayden Wilson. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially boxing.
Wilson often
appeared at local churches and performed his song, "Cutting Corners," after the debut of his son's play of the same name at the Sturges Center of Performing Arts in San Bernardino late last year."He was a very good songbird and a very good father," his son said. "I'm not a singer at all, but I got the inspiration for writing my plays from his work ethic. And through his inspiration, we came together."
Wilson was scheduled to perform at San Bernardino Valley College as part of the school's "Together" Benefit Concert on May 3 after a performance at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino.
The concert willgo on as planned and Wilson will be the first inductee into the school's newly established Alliance for the Arts Hall of Fame, said Craig Petinak, director of marketing and public relations for the school.
More information on the concert can be obtained by calling (909) 384-8611.
In addition to his son, Wilson is survived by his wife of 16 years, Patricia Wilson, daughters Alene Harris and Sharon Burley; brother Eddie Wilson; sisters Lottie Ross, Ruby Conyers and Maebell Cole; and 13 grandchildren.
Notes of condolences can be sent to the family in care of Tony Wilson, 11733 Pactfield Place, Yucaipa 92399.
Viewing services will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at Simpson Family Mortuary, 1557 W. Base Line, San Bernardino.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. April 29 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1895 Del Rosa Ave., San Bernardino. Burial will follow at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Ave., Riverside.
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