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Outlook: I impersonated Jackie Wilson, then I found out he was my dad

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BobbyWilsonCROP.jpg

30/03/2023 GMT

I impersonated Jackie Wilson, then I found out he was my dad

BBC World Service - Outlook, I impersonated Jackie Wilson, then I found out he was my dad

A chance encounter with Bruno Mars' dad led Bobby Brooks to the discovery of a lifetime

Bobby Brooks was enjoying a successful career as a Jackie Wilson tribute act, when backstage one evening he was told news that would shake him to the core.

Bobby was raised in South Carolina in the USA by his loving foster mother. He always loved to sing, and was one day persuaded to join the musical Doo Wop group The Love Notes. People would often remark on his  striking resemblance to the soul and rhythm and blues singer Jackie Wilson, which only worked in his favour when Bobby began impersonating Jackie professionally. The crowds went wild for it – he made an excellent Jackie Wilson. Then Bobby was told news that would change his life forever. 

The archive clip you heard came from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1962, produced by CBS, Ed Sullivan, 	
Marlo Lewis, Bob Precht, Chester Feldman and Jack McGeehan.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: May Cameron

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

(Photo: Bobby Wilson. Credit: Sonny Maxon)

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