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Silhouettes Member John Wilson Dies at 69

Rev. John "Bootsie" Wilson, the last surviving member of influential soul group the Silhouettes died at age 69. Wilson, a former lead singer who joined the group in 1961, passed away Monday, Sept. 21, at his Spartanburg, S.C. home after a battle with cancer and a kidney ailment, according to his wife Pauline.

A Philadelphia native, Wilson joined the group -- best known for its 1958 chart-topper 'Get a Job' -- after the departure of the group's original lead singer. Although Wilson didn't sing on the original version of the song, which was one of the first R&B tunes to cross over to the pop charts, he did re-record and release the song under the moniker of the New Silhouettes in 1968.

During his tenure with the doo wop group, Wilson recorded notable songs like 1962's 'Move on Over (To Another Land),' 1963's 'Rent Man' and the 1968 tune 'Not Me Baby.' The latter became a 1970s dance hit in the UK and ranked among Wilson's personal favorites with the group.

Although 'Get a Job' remained the band's most enduring hit, Elaine Lewis, the widow of Wilson's bandmate Richard Lewis -- who wrote that song -- told the Associated Press that the Silhouettes hit their creative stride under Wilson's lead. "John's songs, I think, were the best ones," she said. "Somehow 'Get a Job' got all the attention, but clearly John was the best lead singer they had, hands down. He had a marvelous voice."

"He was so proud of that part of his life, his life as a Silhouette," Lewis added. "He was so nostalgic about that period of his life, and he missed his fallen comrades."

After his career with the Silhouettes, Wilson moved to South Carolina, became an African Methodist Episcopal pastor and served at eight churches since the '70s. His funeral was held Saturday.

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Michelle Wilson

Yes, John wilson was a great ledgend. Thanks for all your comment about my father, yesterday was a year he has been gone and I truly miss him. His daughter Michelle Wilson

September 22 2010 at 7:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ERB

Rest in peace Bootsie, your friends fondly remember you

October 05 2009 at 7:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wolfman

All the great original Rock & Roll groups, singers, are leaving us now. Bootsie will never be forgoten.

The Wolfman

October 05 2009 at 1:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chuck

Its a pity, many of these old groups got screwed by un-
scrupulous managers that took all their money. Many of
these groups recorded only a few songs. Got paid and
that was it. While the managers collected big money on
their record royalties and gave back nothing.

October 05 2009 at 12:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ted C. Mc Neel Sr.

This group was very good to dance to but on "Get A Job" whoever the bass singer was made the record also beside the one and only John Jackson!

October 04 2009 at 5:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Ted C. Mc Neel Sr.'s comment
Elaine Lewis

The bass singer was Raymond Edwards, and you're right in what you said about him!

February 26 2011 at 1:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sher

I certainly grew up with that great music and the Silhouettes . See ya all on the other side. May God keep your music fresh and alive.

October 04 2009 at 4:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rock on

Impeach Obama!!! Don't vote another Democrat in Office!

October 04 2009 at 4:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Margie

Bless and rest his soul. God Bless his family, friends, and all who love music.

October 04 2009 at 4:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jkreatin

This is the first time that I've ever read comments regarding an article (and I read many on a daily basis)and there was not one negative, abusive, degrading, or foul post. It's been a pleasure to read the responses.

I'm not sure that I agree with AB60 regarding music "...will always evolve into something greater," different maybe, but not greater, especially when comparing music of today with that of past eras.

October 04 2009 at 3:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
toni k

thank you for all of your beautiful music. and to you heartless SOB's who used this talented man's passing as a "personal net/sales opportunity" SHAME ON YOU ALL! Sleep with the angels, beautiful friend.

October 04 2009 at 3:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply