This day (January 19, 2006), in Reston, Virginia, died Wilson Pickett, an American R&B/Soul singer.
Tracklist :
1 . Everybody Needs Somebody (1968)
2 . w/ James Brown – Together
3 . Mustang Sally
4 . Wilson Pickett And Bee Gees – Hey Jude
5 . The Midnight Hour (1999)
6 . Land Of 1000 Dances (1966)
7 . Funky Broadway
8 . I’M In Love
Tracklist :
Land of 1000 Dances . In the Midnight Hour . Mustang Sally . Hey Jude . Everybody Needs Somebody To Love . Funky Broadway . If You Need Me . I’m in Love . 634-5789 . It’s Too Late . .
Early Life and Beginnings
Wilson Pickett was born on March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, and grew up in a strict, religious household as the fourth of eleven children.
His early exposure to music came from singing in church and working in cotton fields, where he earned the childhood nickname “Wiggly” for his restless energy.
At the age of 14, Pickett moved to Detroit to live with his father, befriending Little Richard and developing an emotional approach to singing while performing on the streets.
He joined a gospel group, the Violinaires, and later transitioned to secular music by joining the Falcons in 1959, where he sang lead on their hit single “I Found a Love,” reaching number six on the R&B charts.
Encouraged by the success of “I Found a Love,” Pickett embarked on a solo career.
Solo Career and Breakthrough
Pickett’s solo career began with a demo of “If You Need Me,” which was picked up by Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records but recorded by Solomon Burke.
Despite this, Pickett released his own version of the song on Lloyd Price’s Double L Records, earning him initial success and attention from Atlantic Records.
In 1965, Pickett recorded his signature hit, “In the Midnight Hour,” at Stax Studios in Memphis. The track became a defining moment in Southern soul music and launched his mainstream career.
He followed with a string of hits, including “634-5789,” “Land of 1000 Dances,” and “Mustang Sally,” cementing his reputation as one of soul’s most dynamic performers.
Pickett collaborated with prominent producers like Rick Hall at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, working with the legendary session musicians known as “The Swampers.”
His distinctive recording style emphasized live, full-band sessions, capturing the raw energy of his music.
“The Wicked Pickett”
Pickett earned the nickname “The Wicked Pickett” for his fiery stage presence and intense personality.
Known for his competitive nature and defiance, he often clashed with bandmates and industry professionals.
His performances were electrifying, with an energy that became synonymous with his music.
However, his temper and unpredictable behavior sometimes led to conflicts, including incidents involving firearms and physical altercations.
Struggles and Later Years
Pickett faced challenges with alcoholism and drug addiction, contributing to erratic behavior and legal issues.
In the 1990s, he served a year in prison after a drunk driving incident resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
Although his career declined in the 1970s and 1980s, he continued performing and recording, often switching record labels and battling financial difficulties.
His final album, *It’s Harder Now* (1999), produced by John Tiban, received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, marking a late-career resurgence.
After relocating to Virginia, Pickett found solace in outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting, enjoying a quieter life.
Legacy
Wilson Pickett is celebrated as a pioneer of Southern soul music, known for his rhythmic grooves, emotive vocals, and innovative contributions to the genre.
His timeless hits like “In the Midnight Hour” and “Mustang Sally” have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and remain cultural touchstones.
Pickett’s music continues to influence artists and is frequently featured in films and television, ensuring his enduring legacy.
A biography, *In the Midnight Hour*, published in 2017, provides an in-depth look at his life and career.
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