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Home • Entertainment

Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon

In addition to being an award-winning songstress, the 81-year-old beauty was an actress, philanthropist, HBCU alum, former ESSENCE cover girl and more.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
She was born in 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio.
By Rachaell Davis · Updated December 6, 2020
Jazz singer Nancy Wilson was a classy, multi-talented entertainer who left her mark on the music industry and beyond during her 81 years of life.
In addition to being a revered vocalist, the Grammy Award-winning beauty was also a mother, an HBCU alum, a philanthropist and an actress. She touched millions around the world with her voice and her radiant spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. As we continue to celebrate the life of Nancy Wilson in light of her passing, scroll through for a look back at her life in photos, along with a few facts about her journey.  
01
A Midwest Girl
She was born in 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
02
HBCU Proud
She attended Central State University, an HBCU, in 1955.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
03
A Star In The Making
She signed to Capitol Records in 1960.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
04
Headed For The Charts
Her first single,”Guess Who I Saw Today?”, debuted in 1960 and was most recently covered by Chante Moore in 2008.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
05
A Passion For Purpose
She participated in the historic civil rights march in Selma, AL in 1965.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
06
The Ultimate Entertainer
She won an Emmy Award for her 1974-1975 television program, The Nancy Wilson Show, and also landed roles as an actress on the big and small screens.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
Photo by: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
07
A Recipient of Music’s Highest Honor
She won a total of three Grammy Awards.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
08
A Queen Among The Greats
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
09
ESSENCE Cover Girl
In January 2007, Nancy Wilson was featured on the cover of ESSENCE alongside Wendy Racquel Robinson, Kelly Rowland, Patti LaBelle and Vanessa Wiliams.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
ESSENCE
10
Take A Bow
She retired from performing in 2011, following a final performance at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
Photo by Maury Phillips/WireImage
11
A Life Well-Lived
She was stunning, multi-talented and well-respect by fellow musicians, fans, family and friends around the world.
Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
TOPICS:  nancy wilson
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