New Show Brings Jackie Wilson To Life

WUWF | By Bob Barrett

Published August 26, 2015 at 2:48 PM CDT

A legendary R and B performer will come to life this week in Pensacola.

In 1958, Jackie Wilson released his third single, Lonely Teardrops. It was a number one R&B hit and made the national top 10 and turned Wilson into a star. In 1975, he had a heart attack and collapsed on stage and slipped into a coma. He remained in that coma until he died in 1984. Jackie Wilson’s star will shine again at the Pensacola Little Theater this Friday and Saturday evenings as veteran Broadway performer Chester Gregory brings his show called The Eve of Jackie Wilson to town.

WUWF's Bob Barrett talks to Chester Gregory about his show The Eve of Jackie Wilson

Chester Gregory will be performing as Jackie Wilson this Friday and Saturday evening at the Pensacola Little Theater. Showtime both nights is 8pm.

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Bob Barrett

Bob Barrett has been a radio broadcaster since the mid 1970s and has worked at stations from northern New York to south Florida and, oddly, has been able to make a living that way. He began work in public radio in 2001. Over the years he has produced nationally syndicated programs such as The Environment Show and The Health Show for Northeast Public Radio's National Productions.

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