Review: Bobby Brooks Wilson performs at The Footlighters Club, honors his late father’s legacy

Bobby Wilson. Photo Credit: Lee Smith.

R&B artist Bobby Brooks Wilson performed at The Footlighters Club in Hollywood, Florida, as part of their Holiday Extravaganza at Temple Solel.

Bobby Brooks Wilson, who is affectionately known as “Mr. Entertainment,” is the son of the late Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackie Wilson.

Wilson’s band is comprised of John McLane on the keyboards, Chris Mattioli on the drums, Luke Williams on guitar, Randy Malcolm on the saxophone, as well as Carmen Medina and Jes Congo on background vocals. Bassist Lee Brovitz served as musical director.

Particularly impressive about this show at Temple Solel is that many people donated toys for the kids at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital.

In addition, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony (the lead singer of Little Anthony and the Imperials) was in the audience.

Bobby Brooks Wilson setlist

Wilson kicked off his set with Wilson Pickett’s “634-5789,” and segued into Sam Cooke’s “Another Saturday Night.”

Wilson paid homage to 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chubby Checker with “The Twist” and “Let’s Twist Again,” where audience members were dancing along with him.

Wilson threw some Solomon Burke music in the mix with “Cry to Me” and honored The Temptations with “Ain’t Too Proud.”

Wilson allowed his rich, velvet voice to shine throughout the show, which was smooth as silk.

A highlight was when he performed his late father’s “Lonely Teardrops,” and his take on the Isley Brothers’ “Shout” was a fitting response to it.

Equally noteworthy were “Dogging Around,” “Baby Work Out,” and “I Can’t Love Anymore.”

“Turn Your Love Around” by George Benson was an added treat, and he continued with the infectious Spinners classic “I’ll Be Around.”

After Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar” and his father’s “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher,” he closed his show with the neo-funk and soul classic “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, where everybody was reciting the lyrics verbatim.

Mark Friedman on Bobby Brooks Wilson

Mark “Mongo” Friedman, President of The Footlighters Club expressed, “Our grand finale and star of the show was Bobby Brooks Wilson, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Entertainment’.”

“Bobby electrified the room with hit songs made famous by his father, Jackie Wilson, and others -performing with such energy and passion that guests couldn’t help but jump up and dance. What a performance by a true professional,” Friedman exclaimed.

“We are incredibly grateful to one of our dedicated members who brought Bobby to The Footlighters. It was an unforgettable finale,” Friedman added.

The Verdict

Overall, Bobby Brooks Wilson performed a high-octane and fun show for The Footlighters Club in South Florida.

His set-list was eclectic and made up of hit songs that spanned the genres of R&B/soul, funk, Motown, pop, doo-wop, and rock music.

Wilson commanded the stage well, and he had the Floridian audience with him every step of the way. It is highly recommended that one sees Bobby Brooks Wilson whenever he comes to town; they will not be disappointed. His show garners two thumbs up. Well done.

To learn more about Bobby Brooks Wilson, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.