Nancy Wilson

AKA:

Sweet Nancy

Birth Name:

Nancy Sue Wilson

Birth Date:

February 20, 1937

Birth Place:

Chillicothe, Ohio

Death Date:

December 13, 2018

Place of Death:

Pioneertown, California

Age:

Cause of Death:

Long-term respiratory illness

Cemetery Name:

Forest Lawn Cemetery

Claim to Fame:

Music

Nancy Wilson was an American singer whose career spanned over five decades, from the mid-1950s until her retirement in the early 2010s. She was especially notable for her single "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" and her version of the standard "Guess Who I Saw Today". When Wilson traveled to New York City, her distinctive voice enchanted a representative from Capitol Records and she was signed in 1959. In the years that followed, Wilson recorded 37 original albums for the label. Her first hit, "Guess Who I Saw Today," came in 1961. One year later, a collaborative album with Adderley solidified her standing in the jazz community and provided the foundation for her growing fame and career. During her performing career, Wilson was labeled a singer of blues, jazz, R&B, pop, and soul; a consummate actress and the complete entertainer. Wilson also has worked in television, where in 1968 she won an Emmy Award for her NBC series, The Nancy Wilson Show. She has performed on The Andy Williams Show and The Carol Burnett Show and has appeared in series such as Hawaii Five-O, The Cosby Show, Moesha, and The Parkers. Although she often has crossed over to pop and rhythm-and- blues recordings, she still is best known for her jazz performances. In the 1980s, she returned to jazz with a series of performances with such jazz greats as Art Farmer, Benny Golson, and Hank Jones. And to start the new century, Wilson teamed with pianist Ramsey Lewis for a pair of highly regarded recordings. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including two Grammy Awards and honorary degrees from Berklee School of Music and Central State University in Ohio.

Fun Fact

During her years with Capitol, Nancy Wilson was second in sales only to the Beatles, surpassing Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, and even Nat “King” Cole.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Forest Lawn Cemetery

69855 Ramon Road

Cathedral City, California, 92234

USA

North America

Map:

Map of Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City, California

Grave Location:

Tranquility Falls Fountain, Outdoor Garden Niche 7-B

Grave Location Description

As you walk through the entry facing the fountain, walk slightly to the left and straight back. Now turn left and you will see the curved memorial wall featuring jazz legend Nancy Wilson.