Charlie Pickett

Biography

Charlie Pickett is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his raw blend of rock, country, blues, and punk influences. Born in Meigs County, Ohio, one of the poorest counties in the Appalachian foothills, Pickett was raised primarily in Dania, Florida, a suburb of Miami. He began playing music relatively late, picking up the guitar during his college years in the mid-1970s, inspired by the burgeoning punk movement but always grounding his sound in classic rock and blues roots[1][4].

Pickett gained local notoriety in the South Florida music scene during the 1980s, fronting bands such as the Eggs and later the MC3. His energetic live performances and genre-fusing style—drawing on the Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Flamin’ Groovies, the New York Dolls, and proto-country-rockers like the Flying Burrito Brothers—earned him a cult following and critical acclaim, though commercial success eluded him[2][5]. He released several records, including the acclaimed 'Live at the Button' and the EP 'Cowboy Junkie,' before signing with Twin/Tone Records for his LP 'Route 33.' Despite a grueling touring schedule and a devoted regional fanbase, Pickett stepped back from music in the late 1980s, only to see his legacy grow in subsequent decades as a pioneer of roots rock and jangle pop in Florida[1][2].

Pickett’s music is characterized by its 'jacked up blues' approach—melding punk’s energy with bluesy guitar work and a rootsy sensibility. His influence is felt in the South Florida rock and punk scenes, where he is remembered as a foundational figure who bridged genres and inspired a generation of musicians[2][4].

Fun Facts

• Pickett worked as a bulldozer driver in a rock pit and later at a racetrack barn to support himself between tours[1].
• His EP 'Cowboy Junkie' with the Eggs was named one of the year's 10 best EPs in the Village Voice's Pazz & Jop poll[1].
• Despite his regional fame, Pickett officially quit music in 1988, but his cult status and influence grew in the decades that followed[2].
• Maureen Tucker of the Velvet Underground played drums on his 1986 album 'Route 33,' highlighting his connections to legendary musicians[1].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rolling Stones - Major stylistic influence, especially their early 1970s work (Covers of 'Stray Cat Blues' and 'White Light/White Heat' in early sets) [1970s-1980s]
• Howlin’ Wolf - Blues influence on guitar style and vocal delivery (General stylistic influence) [1970s-1980s]

Key Collaborators

• The Eggs - Primary backing band during his early career (Live at the Button, Cowboy Junkie EP) [1980s]
• Jim Duckworth - Guitarist on 'Route 33', known for work with Gun Club and Panther Burns (Route 33 (1986)) [1986]
• Chris Osgood - Guitarist on 'Route 33', member of Suicide Commandos (Route 33 (1986)) [1986]
• Maureen Tucker - Drummer/percussionist on 'Route 33', former Velvet Underground member (Route 33 (1986)) [1986]
• Eric Hohn - Bass, vocals, harmonica in Pickett's bands (Route 33 (1986)) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• South Florida rock and punk musicians - Inspired a generation of local bands with his genre-blending approach and energetic live shows (General influence on the Miami scene) [1980s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Regrets (Adventures in Songwriting (Music from Season 1))
2. Marlboro Country (Bar Band Americanus: The Best of Charlie Pickett and…)
3. If This is Love, Can I Get My Money Back? (Bar Band Americanus: The Best of Charlie Pickett and…)
4. All Love All Gone (Bar Band Americanus: The Best of Charlie Pickett and…)
5. Get Off on Your Porch (Bar Band Americanus: The Best of Charlie Pickett and…)
6. Death Letter (Bar Band Americanus: The Best of Charlie Pickett and…)
7. Trembling Blues (Got the Blues for You)
8. Let Me Squeeze Your Lemons (Elevator Papa, Switchboard Mama (Risque Songs 1920's-1950's))
9. What I Like About Miami (What I Like About Miami)
10. Too Good To End (Unreleased - DHMC6 Companion)

External Links

• Spotify