Wilson's biggest hit was "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" in 1964. It earned her a Grammy award for best R&B recording.

She also won a Grammy in 2005 and 2007.

Wilson once said she knew from a very early age what she would do in life.

"I have always just sung. I have never questioned what it is. I thank God for it and I just do it," she NPR radio in 1994.

She said the musical influences in her life included Nat "King" Cole.