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Wilson's father provided her with an early exposure to several vocalists, at an early age. By the age of four, Nancy Wilson decided to be a singer. Born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Nancy was brought up in Columbus. During her childhood she was greatly influenced by male singers such as, Billy Eckstine and Louis Jordan, and the rhythm and blues of Ruth Brown and LaVerne Baker. Nat King Cole was influential as well. She also was a fan of the big band vocalists Jimmy Rushing with Count Basie's Orchestra, and Lionel Hampton's Little Jimmy Scott. As a child she showed interest and actively participated in church music as well as school choirs and dance bands.
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About Nancy Wilson
Her musical style has such a diversity that it is difficult to classify. Over the years her career has included a variety of styles, pop style ballads, jazz and blues. Due to her versatile interests, critics have described her as "a jazz singer," "a blues singer," "a pop singer," and "a cabaret singer" as well. Still others have referred to her as "a storyteller," "a professor emeritus of body language," "a consummate actress," and "the complete entertainer". Her relatives and long time friend Joe Williams used to call her "the thrush from Columbus".
Nancy began her professional singing career at the age of 15. She initiated with her own television show, Skyline Melody, on a local station. Subsequently she started performing in clubs in the Columbus area. In 1956, Nancy left college to join The Rusty Bryant Band, to fulfill her desire of singing. Fortunately the same year she met Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, when she came with Bryant's band to New York City for a recording session. Adderley was moved by her performance, took an immediate interest in her career and the two kept in touch.
Nancy's debut single, "Guess Who I Saw Today", became such a big success that between April of 1960 and July of 1962, Capitol Records released five more albums with her. Two of those remain a favorite till date: The Swingin's Mutual with George Shearing (1961) and Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley (1962). These hits helped her earn a permanent star position in the jazz constellation. In 1963 "Tell Me The Truth" became her first truly major hit, which also proved to be the turning point of her career garnering critical acclaim from coast to coast.
Three years later Nancy gave MCG Jazz and the world of music another gift, the R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal). This was released on August 25, 2004. Receiving gifts in return, R.S.V.P. () won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album and the 2005 NAACP Image Award for Best Jazz Artist. This was her second Grammy, the first being in 1964 for "How Glad I Am," and her second Image Award, the first being in 1986. Other honors that Nancy has received include a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, streets and days devoted to her name, honorary doctorate degrees, and in 2005, the UNCF Trumpet Award celebrating African-American achievement, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP in Chicago, and Oprah Winfrey's Legends Award.