Main content

A Family Affair: My uncanny resemblance to Jackie Wilson

Bobby Brooks was enjoying a successful career as a Jackie Wilson tribute act, when backstage one night he was told news that that explained the talent he took for granted.

Bobby Brooks was raised in South Carolina, USA, by a loving foster mother. He always sang and was persuaded one day to join a doo-wop group called The Love Notes. People would often remark on his striking resemblance to the soul 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 some astonishing news that explained the talent he took for granted. (First broadcast in March 2023).
Ìý
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.
Ìý
Presenters: Jo Fidgen and Mobeen Azhar
Producer: May Cameron
Ìý
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
Ìý
(Photo: Bobby Wilson. Credit: Sonny Maxon)

Available now

41 minutes

Broadcasts

  • New Year's Day 2024 12:06GMT
  • New Year's Day 2024 18:06GMT
  • New Year's Day 2024 23:06GMT
  • Tue 2 Jan 2024 03:06GMT

Featured in...

Contact Outlook

Contact Outlook

Info on how we might use your contribution on air

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected