When it comes to soul music legends, few names bring the fire quite like Wilson Pickett. With a voice that could shake the walls and a presence that commanded every stage he touched, Pickett wasn’t just a singer—he was a force of nature. From the gritty streets of Detroit to the hallowed studios of Muscle Shoals and Stax, he carved out a sound that defined an era. His music was raw, electrifying, and unapologetically bold, blending gospel roots with rhythm & blues swagger to ignite the charts and dance floors across America. Whether he was belting out a midnight love confession or leading a thousand dances with a shout, Wilson Pickett made every note count.
In this article, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Wilson Pickett Songs of All Time—the definitive tracks that catapulted him into soul superstardom. These are the songs that shook radios, filled jukeboxes, and turned every performance into an unforgettable experience. From chart-topping hits to enduring fan favorites, each track is a testament to Pickett’s unmatched talent and timeless appeal. So buckle up, turn up the volume, and get ready to ride through the powerhouse soul catalog of one of music’s greatest icons.
1. “In the Midnight Hour” (1965)
When Wilson Pickett recorded “In the Midnight Hour” in 1965 at Stax Records, he wasn’t just making a hit—he was changing the sound of soul music. Co-written with guitarist Steve Cropper, the track combined gospel roots, bluesy grit, and a beat that felt both sensual and unstoppable. Its famous delayed backbeat—where the snare hits just a fraction later than expected—added a seductive, strutting rhythm that helped define the Southern soul sound. Pickett’s voice is a force of nature here—powerful, raw, and urgent—pleading for love in the shadows of night. You can hear the hunger in every note. “In the Midnight Hour” quickly topped the R&B charts and broke into the Top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, announcing Pickett as a major new voice. But beyond its commercial success, the song became an anthem for soul lovers, capturing a feeling of late-night longing and irresistible rhythm. It’s the kind of song that hits you in the chest and stays there, pulsing with life. Decades later, it’s still a cornerstone of 1960s soul and a perfect showcase for Pickett’s singular talent.
2. “Mustang Sally” (1966)
“Mustang Sally” had already been written and recorded by Mack Rice, but it was Wilson Pickett who turned it into a full-fledged soul anthem in 1966. With his unmistakable voice and boundless energy, Pickett transformed the track from a simple R&B tune into a cultural phenomenon. The song’s infectious groove, powered by a punchy horn section and a smooth, swaggering bassline, made it an instant dance-floor favorite. Pickett’s delivery—playful, exasperated, and brimming with charm—gave new life to the story of a woman who loves her Mustang more than her man. His repeated cry of “Ride, Sally, ride!” became one of the most iconic refrains in soul music history. The track’s blend of grit and joy helped it crossover to pop audiences, even as it remained firmly rooted in R&B. More than just a hit, “Mustang Sally” became a staple of American pop culture, used in films, covered by dozens of artists, and played at parties and bars for decades. But no version ever captured the fire and fun of Pickett’s. His take remains definitive—soulful, sly, and full of life.
3. “Land of 1000 Dances” (1966)
Wilson Pickett’s “Land of 1000 Dances” is nothing short of a soul explosion. Originally recorded by Chris Kenner, the song took on a whole new life when Pickett released his version in 1966. With its legendary “na-na-na-na” intro—reportedly added spontaneously in the studio—Pickett kicks off a joyous, high-octane celebration of rhythm, movement, and raw energy. The horns blast like fireworks, the rhythm section charges ahead with unstoppable momentum, and Pickett delivers the lyrics like a man on a mission. He doesn’t just list the dances—he commands them, urging listeners to move, to feel, to let loose. It’s as much a call to action as it is a party song. The track soared to #1 on the R&B charts and hit the Top 10 on the pop charts, becoming one of Pickett’s biggest crossover hits. It’s a perfect showcase of his dynamic presence and unrelenting vocal power. To this day, “Land of 1000 Dances” remains a symbol of the unfiltered joy and physicality of 1960s soul music—a song that refuses to stand still.
4. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1971)
By the early ’70s, Wilson Pickett was evolving, blending his deep soul roots with the rising tide of funk. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You,” released in 1971, is a standout from this period, showcasing a more mature, nuanced Pickett while still delivering plenty of fire. The song opens with a deceptively smooth groove, but it soon reveals itself to be a firm warning against chasing surface-level temptation. With a voice that balances grit and wisdom, Pickett sings about the dangers of taking something—or someone—at face value. The track is rich with texture: funky guitars, tight drums, and a brass section that accents every emotional beat. Pickett’s delivery is confident, but there’s an undercurrent of vulnerability, making the message even more resonant. It hit #2 on the R&B charts and proved that Pickett’s music could grow with the times without losing its core. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” remains a deep cut for soul fans—a funky, insightful groove that speaks to the heart as much as the hips.
5. “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” (1966)
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” is Wilson Pickett at his most effortlessly charismatic. Released in early 1966, the song was penned by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and centers around a fictional phone number—a clever way to turn longing and desire into a sing-along sensation. From the first few notes, it’s clear this is classic soul: sharp horns, a driving backbeat, and a vocal that can melt hearts or raise roofs. Backed by the legendary Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Pickett struts through the verses with the swagger of a man who knows exactly what he brings to the table. The chorus feels like a warm embrace, with Pickett promising he’s just a call away. It’s a love song disguised as a party anthem, and its smooth, catchy delivery helped it soar to #1 on the R&B charts. “634-5789” isn’t just a song—it’s a mood, a memory, and for many, a doorway into the golden age of soul. Wilson Pickett didn’t just sing the number—he made it iconic.
6. “Funky Broadway” (1967)
“Funky Broadway” was a game-changer. When Wilson Pickett released his fiery version in 1967—originally recorded by Dyke & the Blazers—he took it to a whole new level. This was the first song with “funky” in the title to hit #1 on the R&B charts, and it’s easy to hear why. Pickett transforms the track into a gritty, groove-heavy powerhouse, capturing the pulse of urban nightlife like no one else could. From the opening horn stabs to the deep, syncopated bassline, the song brims with raw energy. Pickett sounds like he’s testifying from the street corner, throwing down lines with swagger, urgency, and just a touch of defiance. “Funky Broadway” isn’t about a show—it’s about a feeling, a place where real life and real music intersect. The song was a bold shift toward funk, highlighting Pickett’s ability to stay ahead of the curve without losing his soulful edge. More than a hit, “Funky Broadway” was a cultural landmark, helping to push soul into funkier, more electrified territory.
7. “I’m in Love” (1968)
With “I’m in Love,” released in early 1968, Wilson Pickett revealed a side of himself that wasn’t always front and center—the romantic, vulnerable soul man. Written by Bobby Womack, the song is a tender declaration of love, delivered with honesty and emotional depth. Pickett, known for his explosive delivery, pulls back just enough here to let the feeling breathe. The arrangement is lush yet understated, with gentle strings, warm horns, and a laid-back rhythm section providing the perfect backdrop. But it’s Pickett’s voice that carries the weight. He sings not from a place of desperation, but of deep devotion—fully in love and unafraid to show it. The song reached #4 on the R&B charts and remains a beloved gem in Pickett’s catalog. It may not have had the commercial firepower of his biggest hits, but “I’m in Love” endures because of its sincerity. It’s a powerful reminder that even the fiercest voices can soften when it comes to love—and still sound just as strong.
8. “Engine Number 9” (1970)
“Engine Number 9” is Wilson Pickett at full steam. Released in 1970, this track captures the momentum and intensity of a train barreling down the tracks—and Pickett is the unstoppable force at the helm. The opening rhythm mimics a locomotive in motion, setting the stage for a gripping tale of longing and heartbreak. Pickett’s vocals are raw and urgent as he pleads for the train to bring back the woman he lost. Every shout and raspy note pulses with determination, as if he’s willing the steel beast forward through sheer force of will. The Muscle Shoals rhythm section delivers a gritty, funk-infused groove that blends soul with rock elements, giving the song a muscular backbone. It climbed into the Top 3 on the R&B charts and also made waves on the pop side, proving Pickett still had the fire to captivate audiences in a new decade. “Engine Number 9” isn’t just a song—it’s a high-speed soul train driven by pain, hope, and the unrelenting power of Pickett’s voice.
9. “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” (1966)
With “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do),” Wilson Pickett delivered one of his most impassioned performances. Released in May 1966, this soul burner is a straight-up demand for love, commitment, and nothing less than everything. The title says it all—almost isn’t enough. Pickett’s delivery is fierce and resolute, embodying the song’s gospel roots and turning the recording booth into a pulpit. The backup singers soar like a Sunday choir, while the rhythm section lays down a tight, driving groove. Horns punch through the mix, and the entire track feels like a fiery sermon on love and devotion. Pickett doesn’t just sing—he testifies, his voice filled with conviction and soul-stirring intensity. Though it didn’t soar to the top of the pop charts, it became a staple on the R&B circuit and a fan favorite, celebrated for its raw honesty and emotional firepower. “Ninety-Nine and a Half” stands as a reminder of Pickett’s unmatched ability to blend message and melody into something unforgettable.
10. “Hey Jude” (1968)
Wilson Pickett’s 1968 cover of “Hey Jude” isn’t just a reinterpretation—it’s a reinvention. Originally a Beatles ballad, the song is transformed into a soul-gospel powerhouse under Pickett’s command. He turns McCartney’s soothing message into something more urgent, more passionate—less a lullaby and more a spiritual revival. Pickett’s vocals are blistering, filled with heartache, hope, and sheer vocal might. And if that weren’t enough, the track features a then-unknown Duane Allman on guitar, whose scorching solos helped cement his status as a legend in the making. The arrangement builds steadily, exploding into a cathartic climax that leaves nothing on the table. Released in November 1968, the song climbed to #13 on the R&B charts and left a deep impression on soul and rock fans alike. While covers often struggle to step out of the original’s shadow, Pickett’s “Hey Jude” blazes its own trail. It’s soulful, bold, and unforgettable—an emotional rollercoaster that shows how a great song can be reborn in the right hands.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
