"Helpless" by Jackie Wilson

Jackie Wilson (aka Mr. Excitement) was one of the greatest rock and soul singers of the 60s, ranking as the 15th most successful chart artist of that decade. 

With a track record of hits like "Lonely Teardrops" (#7, 1959), "Night" (#4, 1960), "Alone At Last" (#8, 1960), "My Empty Arms" (#9, 1961), "Baby Workout" (#5, 1963), "Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" (#11, 1966), and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher" (#6, 1967), it was a no-brainer to see him inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 1987.

It is a shame Wilson did not live long enough to see the honor. He had a debilitating stroke while performing in 1975 and passed away in 1984 at the age of 49.

"Helpless" is an underrated track from the tail end of Wilson's chart career. Released in 1969, the song seemed poised to set him up to be a mainstay on the charts into the 70s, but that didn't happen. Wilson's chart career ended in 1972 when "You Got Me Walking" stalled at #93.