Music Monday: Nancy Wilson

*This week's Music Monday is the work of guest writer Biff Huxtable.

Move over Clair and Camille, Nancy was first! 

Jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson and Bill Cosby share a storied past. Friends for life, Wilson first appeared as Cosby's love interest in his acclaimed 1960's television series "I Spy," from which Cos won many awards. Agent Scott was clearly crazy in love with Lori, Wilson's character.

Nancy Wilson graced television with her presence while playing Lori in
a 1966 episode of I Spy.  Wilson, center, is accompanied by Bill Cosby who
costarred as Alexander Scott. Photo courtesy of Complete Illustrated Guide to I Spy.

Later in life, a concert performance by Wilson would serve as a first date for Cosby and soon-to-be wife Camille Hanks. The jazz enthusiast Cosby is, he often attended Wilson's performances. 
Cosby and Wilson can even be seen in Robert Townsend's 1993 "Meteor Man" (in which I doubled for Cosby). The duo would later headline together at events, such as promoting funding for Coppin State University's students in 2007. 

Cosby is so fond of Wilson that he gifted her with the cherished Border Terrier she calls Jake. In many ways, the basement scene from "Grampy and Nu-Nu Visit the Huxtables" (season 6, episode 10) was the culmination of years spent laughing, gambling, and acting together. One could easily say that Nancy Wilson was the first "Clair Hanks Huxtable" in Bill Cosby's life.

Two scenes from "Grampy and Nu-Nu Visit the Huxtables."
Nancy Wilson, along with Moses Gunn, guest starred in season 6, episode 10. 

*Biff Huxtable is the second Huxtable son who was locked in the basement for years. When his parents brought guests to the basement, he'd hide behind the water heater; if you look closely, you may see his right foot in scenes throughout the Cosby Show's eight-season run.  Learn more about Biff, and follow him, via Twitter. (He's the ultimate authority on all things Huxtable!)