Biography
Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was a pivotal American soul singer and songwriter, born in Prattville, Alabama, and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. His earliest musical experiences were rooted in the Southern black church, where gospel music shaped his passionate, fervent vocal style. In the 1950s, Pickett moved to Detroit, joining the gospel group the Violinaires before transitioning to secular music with the Falcons, where he first found success with the hit 'I Found a Love.'
Pickett's solo career took off after signing with Atlantic Records in 1964, where producer Jerry Wexler sent him to Stax Records in Memphis to collaborate with guitarist Steve Cropper. This partnership yielded 'In the Midnight Hour,' a defining soul classic. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Pickett's energetic, raw delivery powered a string of hits, including 'Mustang Sally,' 'Land of 1000 Dances,' and 'Funky Broadway.' His recordings at Stax and Fame Studios, often with top session musicians, helped establish the sound of Southern soul. Later, collaborations with Philadelphia producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff brought a smoother edge to his music. Despite personal and legal troubles in later years, Pickett's influence endured, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Pickett's legacy is marked by his electrifying stage presence, his role in shaping the sound of 1960s soul, and his impact on generations of artists. His music bridged gospel, R&B, and soul, and his songs remain staples of American popular culture.
Fun Facts
- Wilson Pickett was nicknamed 'the Wicked Pickett' for his intense, electrifying performances and fiery personality.
- His hit 'In the Midnight Hour' is said to have introduced a new rhythmic groove to soul music, influencing countless artists.
- Pickett's song 'Mustang Sally' became a cultural staple, covered by many artists and featured in numerous films.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, cementing his legacy as a soul music icon.
Associated Acts
- The Falcons (1960–1963)
- Wilson Pickett & His Orchestra - eponymous, original
- The Soul Clan
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Julius Cheeks - Pickett modeled his early gospel singing after Cheeks, a powerful shouter from the Sensational Nightingales. (Gospel performances with the Violinaires) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Steve Cropper - Co-writer and guitarist for Booker T. & the MG's, collaborated on 'In the Midnight Hour' and other Stax sessions. ('In the Midnight Hour', Stax recordings) [1965–1967]
- Jerry Wexler - Atlantic Records producer who signed Pickett and guided his early solo career. (Atlantic Records sessions) [1964–early 1970s]
- Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff - Philadelphia producers who produced Pickett's later Atlantic hits, adding a smoother soul sound. ('Engine No. 9', 'Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You') [1970–1971]
- The Falcons - R&B vocal group where Pickett sang before his solo career. ('I Found a Love') [Early 1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Jonny Lang - Cited Pickett as an influence on his soulful vocal style. (Soul-influenced blues albums) [1990s–2000s]
- Johnny Gill - Pickett's passionate delivery influenced Gill's approach to soul and R&B. (Solo work and New Edition) [1980s–2000s]
- Countless soul and rock bands - Pickett's songs, especially 'In the Midnight Hour,' were widely covered by bands across genres. (Live and recorded covers of 'In the Midnight Hour') [1960s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Exciting Wilson Pickett | 1966 | Album |
| In the Midnight Hour | 1965 | Album |
| The Wicked Pickett | 2005-02-08 | Album |
| Hey Jude | 1969 | Album |
| In Philadelphia | 1970 | Album |
| An Anthology | 1972-11-01 | Album |
| I'm in Love | 1968 | Album |
| Right On | 1970 | Album |
| The Sound of Wilson Pickett | 1967 | Album |
| Hits & Rarities | 2020-04-17 | Album |
| Nova Classics Funk, Vol. 2 | 2024-10-25 | Album |
| It's Too Late | 1963 | Album |
| Baby Call On Me | 2004-08-03 | Album |
| A Funky Situation | 1978 | Album |
| The Midnight Mover | 1968 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Land of 1000 Dances (The Exciting Wilson Pickett)
- Mustang Sally (The Wicked Pickett)
- In the Midnight Hour (In the Midnight Hour)
- Mustang Sally
- Hey Jude (Hey Jude)
- Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You (In Philadelphia)
- Something You Got (The Exciting Wilson Pickett)
- 634-5789 (The Exciting Wilson Pickett)
- Hey Joe (Right On)
- Funky Broadway (The Sound of Wilson Pickett)
External Links
Tags: #hey-joe, #soul
References
Heard on WWOZ
wilson pickett has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2025 | 00:39 | Outskirts of Townfrom It`s Harder Now | Midnight Music | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | 20:27 | Don't Fight It | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 14:29 | THAT KIND OF LOVEfrom I'm In Love | Soul Serenadew/ Marc Stone |