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A Family Affair: My uncanny resemblance to Jackie Wilson

Bobby Brooks was enjoying a successful career as a Jackie Wilson tribute act, when backstage one night he was told news that that explained the talent he took for granted.

Bobby Brooks was raised in South Carolina, USA, by a loving foster mother. He always sang and was persuaded one day to join a doo-wop group called The Love Notes. People would often remark on his striking resemblance to the soul singer Jackie Wilson, which only worked in his favour when Bobby began impersonating Jackie professionally. The crowds went wild for it – he made an excellent Jackie Wilson. Then Bobby was told some astonishing news that explained the talent he took for granted. (First broadcast in March 2023).
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The archive clip you heard came from the Ed Sullivan Show in 1962, produced by CBS, Ed Sullivan, Marlo Lewis, Bob Precht, Chester Feldman and Jack McGeehan.
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Presenters: Jo Fidgen and Mobeen Azhar
Producer: May Cameron
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Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
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(Photo: Bobby Wilson. Credit: Sonny Maxon)

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41 minutes

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