Jackie Wilson was an R & B artist who reached his peak during the late 50's and early 60's. He was an outstanding performer with an euphorious voice that left audience wanting more of Jackie's performances. He was an all around great entertainer. Jackie Wilson's combination of good looks (See Appendice A), wily dance moves, and melodious voice helped him achieve this. Even Eddie Pride of the famed group Eddie Pride and the Midnighters admitted"I used to call myself a singer, but after listening to Jackie I gave up." (Douglas 26).
Jackie held the potential to be one of the most promising artist of his time. Unfortunately, numerous music industry giants who would take advantage of incipient artist and use their unscrupulous mechanics to rob artist of their money intercepted Jackie's rise to the top. Perhaps the most successful and notable of these industry giants was Nat Tarnopol. Nat "the rat" Tarnopol had been linked to robbing Wilson of a plethora of royalty checks and medical benefits. Supposedly, Nat's crooked and greedy tactics resulted in Jackie dying penniless, leaving his family to pay the outstanding medical bills. Nat Tarnopol was a criminal who stole from Jackie Wilson robbing him of a home, royalties, and insurance, only to get caught and ruining himself in the end. .
Nat Tarnopol was a manager under the Brunswick record label which was practically built on a mob related foundation. The Brunswick record label established the Genesis of Nat Tarnopol's career. He received the first management position with Jackie Wilson, who was formerly under the management of Al Green, who was also a member of the Brunswick family (See Appendice B). Suddenly, Al Green died. Tarnopol, being his successor, took over the management of Jackie Wilson. Wilson would be the first artist that Tarnopol managed. In the beginning of Wilson's and Tarnopl's relationship, Jackie had a mediocre hit with "Reet Petite"(Penguin).