I just turned my computer on a few minutes ago and got the report on my welcome screen that Al Wilson, famous for his fantastic single from 1974 "Show and Tell" passed away.
I will always remember this song from a great year. It was an inspiring performance. I really hope that a well-done package of his music from the beginning of his career up to "Show and Tell" might be in the offering as a result of this. All I have is "Show and Tell" from one of my Rhino Soul Hits of the '70s series CDs.

Soul singer Al Wilson, most famous for the 1974 single “Show and Tell,” has died in California. He was 68.

Rolling Stone

Moved Starz' post into the pre-existing thread. RIP, Al. ~ Linda

I recently picked up this best-of Al Wilson, which covers his most commercially successful period in the early 70s. Been available for a while as an import, just issued in the US this past January.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00114XQZ0/?tag=imwan-20

Al Wilson was a favorite of mine too Steve. His GH packages are pretty weak, none of them have "Show and Tell" and his other hit "The Snake" on one compilation. He has one where he updates his hits, but not the originals. I too look forward to something more comprehensive. Shame that someone has to die before they issue their music correctly.

Thanks, Jimbo. The period up to and including 1974 was just so incredibly fertile. I identify with that time frame so strongly. To know that he is gone just leaves another gaping hole in my soul. This isn't to say that Soul Music wasn't any good afterwards, but the paradigm shift occurred in the late Fall of '74 into the early part of '75 where Soul artists had to start making Disco in order to survive in the marketplace. I'm grateful that a group like The Manhattans at least stood steadfastly through the changes. Al Wilson was one of those guys who came up with a great Soul hit when it was still Soul Music.