Remembering Nancy Wilson: 11 Things To Know About The Beloved Jazz Music Icon
By Rachaell Davis ·
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.
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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.
02
HBCU Proud
She attended Central State University, an HBCU, in 1955.
03
A Star In The Making
She signed to Capitol Records in 1960.
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.
05
A Passion For Purpose
She participated in the historic civil rights march in Selma, AL in 1965.
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.
Photo by: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
07
A Recipient of Music’s Highest Honor
She won a total of three Grammy Awards.
08
A Queen Among The Greats
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.
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.
ESSENCE
10
Take A Bow
She retired from performing in 2011, following a final performance at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
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.

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