CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

#363 REET PETITE (THE FINEST GIRL YOU EVER WANT TO MEET) Jackie Wilson
Before starting Motown Records, Berry Gordy Junior was a songwriter. The 1st artist of note he wrote hits for was Jackie Wilson. Gordy heard that this singer- who had just left The Dominoes to pursue a solo career- needed material to record. Gordy co-wrote "Reet Petite" with Wilson's cousin Roquel "Billy" Davis. The latter worked under the pseudonym Tyran Carlo. The song launched Wilson as a soloist. 
Dick Jacob's orchestration added excitement to the recording, allowing Wilson the opportunity to demonstrate his vocal ability. Legendary R&B Carl Davis produced the track for Brunswick Records. The single only reached #62 in America, but peaked at #6 in Britain in 1957. 
Gordy and Carlo created other hits for Wilson, including "To Be Loved" and "Lonely Teardrops" in 1958. Gordy then concentrated on building his Motown empire, while Davis continued as a writer/ producer. Wilson continued recording, scoring the Top 10 hits "Night", "Alone at Last", "My Empty Arms" and "Baby Workout" in 1963. "Higher and Higher" returned him to the upper rungs of the US Top 40 in 1967 for the last time.
Despite his irrefutable influence on performers such as James Brown and Michael Jackson, Wilson's personal life was a disaster. He was shot on stage by an ex-girlfriend; was married 3 times, had a drug and alcohol habit and there was talk of Mafia involvement. Tragically, Wilson had a heart attack while performing in New Jersey in 1975 and fell, hurting his head. He remained comatose until his death in 1984. 
Two years later, a humourous video was made using clay animation for "Reet Petite". It piqued interest from new fans and, 2 years after his death, Wilson enjoyed his greatest success: reigning at #1 for a month in late 1986. The re-released single also made #1 in Ireland and the Netherlands. 

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.