Michael Jackson honored Jackie Wilson at the 1984 Grammy Awards Jackson dedicated his Album of the Year Grammy for '' Thriller '' to Wilson , saying , " In the entertainment business , there are leaders and there are followers . And I just want to say that I think Jackie Wilson was a wonderful entertainer ... Jackie , where you are I want to say I love you and thank you so much . " Until Jackson 's comments , Wilson 's recording legacy had been dormant for almost a decade . Tarnopol owned Wilson 's recordings due to Brunswick 's separation from MCA , but the label had closed down , essentially deleting Wilson 's considerable recorded legacy . When Jackson praised Wilson at the Grammys , interest in the legendary singer stirred , and Tarnopol released the first Wilson album ( a two-record compilation ) in almost nine years through Epic Records , Jackson 's label at the time . Through Tarnopol 's son , Wilson 's music has become more available
1984 Grammy Awards
26th Annual Grammy Awards
Jackie Wilson