Jack Leroy "Jackie" Wilson, Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984)

Wilson was important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was
considered  one of the most dynamic and influential singers and performers
in R&B and rock history. Gaining fame in his early years as a member of the
R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, he went solo in 1957 and
recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop and
easy listening. During a 1975 benefit concert, he collapsed on-stage from
a heart attack and subsequently fell into a coma that persisted for nearly
nine years until his death in 1984 at age 49. By this time, he had become
one of the most influential artists of his generation.

1967

1958

"I Can’t Stop Loving You" was written and composed by country singer,
songwriter and musician Don Gibson, who first recorded it on December
30, 1957, for RCA Records. 

Ray Charles’ cover was number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 for a total
of five weeks. It also saw the top position on the Adult Contemporary 
and R&B charts and was ranked #161 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 500
Greatest Songs of All Time.

Tim Maguire

Jackie Mason (Yacov Moshe Maza) was ordained as a rabbi at
age twenty-five before resigning to become a comedian.