"Show
and Tell"
"The Snake"
"Do What You Gotta
Do"
"Touch and Go"
"Al Wilson is a knock-out! He easily makes
the transition from chart-topper to show-stopper, booming out his songs
in a robust voice and with a fine, cool authority that firmly keeps in
control a volcanic energy".
No, that’s not a description created by press agent, a talent
booker or Al Wilson’s fan club. That’s just one of the rave reviews
that greet this versatile artist everywhere he goes. One reviewer who
saw Al during his tour of Africa said "From the moment he steps on
stage and belts out a rock number or smoothes over a ballad, Al has the
audience in the palm of his hand, captivated by the cool sense of
balance with which he delivers his performance."
The words of praise for this man’s professionalism and artistry go
on and on. "Quite an addition to any program", "a man who
knows the way to wrap himself around a vocal".
The special blending and balance of earthiness and sophistication
that has won praise from reviewers and audiences alike comes naturally
to Al Wilson. His music is something of a self-portrait, revealing the
many faucets of the man.
Music is his life. Al got his first taste of show business as early
as grade school where he acted in school plays, entered and won talent
contests and even picked up first prize in an art show.
After a stint in the U.S. Navy, Al left his Mississippi home and came
West to become a performer. He played his share of local clubs, working
with a variety of vocal instrumental group while polishing his personal
and musical style. He added drum playing and stand-up comedy to his
stable of skills, filling out the picture of the complete performer.
His first big break came when Johnny Rivers signed him to his Soul
City Records where he recorded hit versions of "The
Snake" and "Do What You Gotta
Do".
More recent platter successes include "Show
and Tell", "Touch and
Go", "La La Peace Song" and several albums.
"Show and Tell", which sold over two million copies and was named a
Cashbox Magazine Number One Single of the Year, firmly established
him in the stellar orbit. The sheer musical talent and infectious style
that shone through on his earlier hits were also evidence on Al's single,
"I’ve Got a Feelin".
Commenting on the wide range of music he performs, Al says "if
you do a thing well, whether it’s a ballad, soul, blues, or rock, you
can reach people of different tastes and please them all".
Al traces his style to no single influence. He patterned himself
after no idol, no established performer. Pop, jazz, gospel, blues, hard
rock, and funk were all absorbed by him and are infused into his music.
The stimulating combination of sensitivity and great strength that is
the essence of Al Wilson will spark his career to even greater
successes. Whether on record, television or on stage, Al Wilson has that
special quality that marks him as an enduring star on today’s music
scene.
