Reuben Wilson is an American jazz organist and one of the key figures in the soul-jazz movement of the late 1960s and early '70s. Born on April 9, 1935, in Mounds, Oklahoma, Wilson didn't start his musical career early; he began teaching himself to play music when he was already in his twenties. However, he was a quick study and soon was a fixture in the lively New York jazz scene. His style melded the hard-swinging jazz organ tradition with elements of soul, R&B, and funk, contributing to the genre known as boogaloo.
Wilson gained prominence with his work on the legendary Blue Note label, where he recorded some of his most influential albums, including "Love Bug," "Blue Mode," and "A Groovy Situation." Over the years, his music has been widely sampled in hip-hop, a testament to his enduring groove and appeal. Reuben's homage to the iconic hip-hop group, "Boogaloo to the Beastie Boys - A Tribute," reflects his ability to bridge generational gaps in music. "Blue Break Beats" and "Organ Blues" further showcase his versatility within the genre, solidifying his legacy as a staple in the jazz and soul community. Even with the reissue of classics like "Set Us Free," Wilson continued to create new music, as seen in his later works like "Movin' On" and "Fun House," which underline his knack for adaptation and his commitment to the ever-evolving jazz scene.
Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!
Get Started