Wilson Pickett, born on March 18, 1941, was a dynamic and influential American soul singer and songwriter, earning the moniker “Wicked” Pickett for his electrifying stage presence. Emerging from the vibrant soul and R&B scene of the 1960s, Pickett became a prominent figure in the genre, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Hailing from Prattville, Alabama, Pickett’s powerful and gritty voice set him apart, propelling him to stardom with hits like “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Land of 1000 Dances.” His collaborations with the famed Stax Records and Atlantic Records showcased his ability to fuse gospel, blues, and rock elements into soulful, danceable anthems.
Pickett’s energetic performances, characterized by his impassioned vocal delivery and charismatic stage antics, made him a dynamic force on the live circuit. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing his significant contributions to the soul genre. Wilson Pickett’s music continues to resonate, influencing generations of artists and cementing his legacy as a soul icon. Despite his passing in 2006, his soul-stirring tunes remain timeless, ensuring that “Wicked” Pickett’s impact on music endures.
1. Fire and Water
“Fire and Water” by Wilson Pickett is a soulful masterpiece that encapsulates the emotional depth and intensity of Pickett’s vocal prowess. Released in 1968, the song weaves a narrative of love and desire against a backdrop of simmering horns and a groovy rhythm section. Pickett’s impassioned delivery, coupled with the song’s tight arrangements, creates a sonic experience that is both fervent and evocative. “Fire and Water” exemplifies Pickett’s ability to infuse soul with raw, visceral energy, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring power of his musical legacy.
2. Sugar Sugar
“Sugar, Sugar” is a classic pop song that became a global sensation in 1969. The song was performed by The Archies, a fictional band created for the animated TV series “The Archie Show.” The catchy tune features bubblegum pop elements, with infectious hooks and upbeat melodies.
Written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim, “Sugar, Sugar” topped the charts in the United States, staying at No. 1 for four weeks. Its infectious chorus and sweet lyrics contributed to its widespread popularity. The success of the song marked it as one of the defining hits of the bubblegum pop genre, leaving an enduring legacy in the realm of catchy, feel-good pop music.
3. Land of 1,000 Dances
“Land of 1,000 Dances” is a vibrant and iconic song that epitomizes the energetic spirit of 1960s soul and R&B. Originally written and recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962, the song gained widespread popularity when Wilson Pickett released his dynamic and influential version in 1966.
Pickett’s rendition transformed the track into a soul anthem, characterized by its infectious rhythm, electrifying horns, and Pickett’s powerful, gritty vocals. The song’s title refers to various dance crazes of the time, and its energetic call-and-response structure invited listeners to join in the celebration.
“Land of 1,000 Dances” became a chart-topping success and remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its lively and danceable nature. It has been covered and embraced by numerous artists over the years, solidifying its place in the pantheon of soul and R&B music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its infectious groove and its ability to get people on their feet.
4. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a soul and funk classic that gained popularity in the 1960s. Originally written and recorded by Dyke and the Blazers in 1967, the song became a significant hit when Wilson Pickett covered it later that year.
Pickett’s version of “Funky Broadway” is characterized by its infectious groove, tight horn arrangements, and Pickett’s soulful and dynamic vocals. The song celebrates the lively atmosphere and dance culture of Broadway Street, a famous thoroughfare in the soul music scene. Pickett’s energetic delivery and the song’s funky instrumentation contributed to its success, making it a staple in the funk and soul genres.
“Funky Broadway” showcases Pickett’s ability to infuse soul with the emerging sounds of funk, and its enduring popularity has solidified it as a classic that continues to be celebrated for its infectious rhythm and lively spirit.
5. I’m In Love
“I’m In Love” is a soulful ballad that has been covered by various artists over the years, but one notable version is by Wilson Pickett. Pickett’s rendition, released in 1967, showcases his powerful and emotive vocals, making the song a standout in the realm of soul music.
The lyrics of “I’m In Love” express the joy and elation that come with being in a romantic relationship. Pickett’s delivery adds depth and sincerity to the emotions conveyed in the song. The arrangement features a combination of soul and R&B elements, including lush orchestration and a melodic groove, contributing to its timeless appeal.
Pickett’s interpretation of “I’m In Love” exemplifies his versatility as a soul artist, proving his ability to convey both high-energy tunes and heartfelt ballads. The song remains a classic in the soul genre, appreciated for its emotional resonance and Pickett’s soul-stirring performance.
6. Hey Jude
“Hey Jude” is one of The Beatles’ most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1968. Written by Paul McCartney and credited to the songwriting duo Lennon-McCartney, it became a chart-topping hit and a cultural phenomenon. The song’s titular character, Jude, was inspired by John Lennon’s son, Julian.
At over seven minutes long, “Hey Jude” is notable for its unconventional length in the pop music of its time. The song begins as a ballad and gradually builds into a powerful anthem, featuring a memorable refrain and a famous extended coda. The repeated “na-na-na” sing-along became a trademark of the song.
“Hey Jude” is celebrated for its musical innovation, emotional depth, and timeless appeal. It has been covered by numerous artists and is often regarded as one of The Beatles’ greatest achievements. The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, solidifying its place in the cultural and musical history of the 20th century.
7. Don’t Knock My Love & Pt. I
“Don’t Knock My Love” is a soulful and funky song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1971. The song is known for its infectious groove and Pickett’s powerful vocals, showcasing his ability to navigate different styles within the soul genre.
The lyrics of “Don’t Knock My Love” convey a plea for understanding and acceptance in a romantic relationship, with a message to not criticize or undermine the love shared. The song features a lively arrangement with a prominent rhythm section, brass instrumentation, and Pickett’s signature energetic delivery.
The addition of “Pt. I” in the title indicates that there is likely a continuation or a second part to the song. In many cases, artists release multiple parts of a song that flow seamlessly or are intended to be listened to together. These multi-part songs often provide a more extensive musical experience, allowing artists to explore different themes or musical variations within the same composition.
“Don’t Knock My Love” is a testament to Wilson Pickett’s ability to evolve with the changing sounds of soul music during the early 1970s, incorporating funk elements into his repertoire. The song remains a favorite among soul and funk enthusiasts, celebrated for its danceable rhythm and Pickett’s dynamic performance.
8. In The Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is a classic soul anthem that stands as one of Wilson Pickett’s most iconic songs. Released in 1965, the track became a major hit and is widely regarded as one of the defining songs of the soul and R&B genres.
Written by Pickett and Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, “In the Midnight Hour” features a distinctive horn arrangement, a tight rhythm section, and Pickett’s powerful, impassioned vocals. The song’s lyrics express the intense longing and desire for a romantic partner, with the midnight hour symbolizing a time of heightened emotion and connection.
Pickett’s energetic and soulful delivery, combined with the infectious groove of the music, contributed to the song’s widespread success. “In the Midnight Hour” reached the top of the R&B charts and became a crossover hit on the pop charts. It has since been covered by various artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the soul music canon. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its irresistible combination of rhythm, emotion, and Pickett’s electrifying performance.
9. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally” is another soul classic closely associated with Wilson Pickett. Written by Sir Mack Rice, the song was originally recorded in 1965 by Sir Mack Rice himself. However, it gained widespread recognition and became a hit when Wilson Pickett released his dynamic and soulful rendition in 1966.
“Mustang Sally” is known for its catchy refrain and lively rhythm. The lyrics tell the story of a man encouraging his former lover, Sally, to slow down and appreciate what she has rather than constantly seeking something new. Pickett’s energetic and soul-stirring delivery, combined with the infectious groove of the music, turned the song into a timeless anthem.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and “Mustang Sally” remains a staple in the soul and R&B repertoire. Its catchy hooks and Pickett’s dynamic performance have made it a favorite for both casual listeners and musicians alike. The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, attesting to its enduring appeal.
10. Engine Number 9
“Engine Number 9” is a funk and soul classic originally recorded by Wilson Pickett. Released in 1970, the song is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic groove, showcasing Pickett’s versatility as an artist exploring the evolving sounds of funk during that era.
The lyrics of “Engine Number 9” reference a train, using the metaphor to convey a sense of urgency and excitement. Pickett’s soulful and dynamic vocals, combined with the funky instrumentation and driving rhythm, create a high-energy and danceable track. The repetitive and infectious chorus, featuring the proclamation “Engine Number 9,” adds to the song’s memorable quality.
While Wilson Pickett’s version of “Engine Number 9” is widely recognized, it’s worth noting that the song has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, attesting to its lasting influence in the funk and soul genres. The song remains a favorite among enthusiasts of classic funk and soul music for its vibrant energy and infectious rhythm.
Edward Tomlin 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.
