Wilson Pickett, born on March 18, 1941, was a legendary American soul singer and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the landscape of R&B and rock music. Hailing from Prattville, Alabama, Pickett’s powerful and gritty voice earned him the moniker “The Wicked Pickett.” He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a key figure in the development of the Southern soul sound.
Pickett’s dynamic stage presence and electrifying performances made him a force to be reckoned with. His hits like “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Land of 1,000 Dances” not only dominated the charts but also became anthems of the era. His music seamlessly blended gospel, R&B, and rock, creating a sound that resonated with diverse audiences.
In 1991, Wilson Pickett rightfully earned his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting influence on the genre. His contributions to soul music paved the way for future generations of artists, and his legacy endures as a symbol of the raw, emotive power that soul music encapsulates. Wilson Pickett’s impact on the rhythm and blues genre remains unparalleled, solidifying his status as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
1. Fire and Water
“Fire and Water” is a classic rock anthem that captivates with its raw emotion and powerful musical arrangement. Originating from the English rock band Free’s 1970 album of the same name, the song showcases Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals and Paul Kossoff’s blistering guitar work. The lyrics tell a tale of love’s tumultuous journey, weaving a narrative of passion and heartache. The dynamic interplay between the fiery instrumentation and heartfelt vocals creates a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations, solidifying its place as a quintessential rock ballad.
2. Sugar Sugar
With infectious melodies and sugar-coated lyrics, the track is an upbeat declaration of love and infatuation. The catchy chorus, combined with the vibrant instrumentation, makes “Sugar, Sugar” an enduring feel-good anthem that continues to evoke nostalgia and joy, transcending its animated origins to become a pop culture classic.
3. Land of 1,000 Dances
“Land of 1,000 Dances” is a classic R&B and soul song written and originally recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962. However, it gained widespread recognition and success when covered by various artists, including Wilson Pickett.
Wilson Pickett’s version of “Land of 1,000 Dances” was released in 1966 and became one of his signature hits. The song is known for its energetic and infectious rhythm, featuring the famous “na-na-na-na-na” refrain. Pickett’s powerful and soulful vocals, combined with the lively instrumentation, contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
“Land of 1,000 Dances” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a staple in the rhythm and blues genre. Its catchy and danceable nature has made it a favorite for both listeners and performers alike, securing its place as a classic in the realm of soul and R&B music.
4. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a soul and funk song that was originally written and recorded by Arlester “Dyke” Christian with his group Dyke and the Blazers in 1966. It’s notable for its lively and danceable rhythm, energetic brass section, and catchy lyrics celebrating the vibrant atmosphere of Broadway Street in Memphis, Tennessee.
Wilson Pickett later covered “Funky Broadway” in 1967, giving it his own distinctive style. Pickett’s version, with its dynamic vocals and arrangement, became a hit and is often considered one of the definitive renditions of the song. His cover added to the song’s popularity and solidified its status as a classic in the soul and funk genres.
The term “Funky Broadway” has since become synonymous with energetic and soulful music. The song’s infectious groove has made it a favorite for fans of funk and soul music, and it has been covered by various artists over the years, contributing to its lasting influence in the music landscape.
5. I’m In Love
“I’m In Love” is a soul and R&B song originally written and recorded by Wilson Pickett. Released in 1968, the song became one of Pickett’s notable hits. It showcases his distinctive vocals and embodies the passionate and emotive style that defined much of his work.
“I’m In Love” features a soulful melody, a tight rhythm section, and Pickett’s powerful delivery. The lyrics express the joy and intensity of being in love, and the song’s arrangement captures the exuberance and emotional depth associated with the theme.
Wilson Pickett had a string of successful releases in the 1960s and 1970s, contributing significantly to the soul and R&B genres. “I’m In Love” is often remembered as one of his soulful ballads that exemplifies his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
As with many of Pickett’s songs, “I’m In Love” remains a classic in the realm of soul music and is appreciated for its timeless quality and the enduring appeal of Pickett’s vocal prowess.
6. Hey Jude
Wilson Pickett did indeed cover The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” Pickett’s version of “Hey Jude” was released in 1968, and it added a soulful and funkier twist to the iconic Beatles track. The cover features Pickett’s distinctive raspy vocals and incorporates elements of soul and R&B, giving the song a different flavor compared to the original.
While Wilson Pickett’s rendition of “Hey Jude” may not be as widely known as The Beatles’ original, it became a popular and well-received cover within the soul and R&B communities. Pickett’s energetic and soulful interpretation brought a fresh perspective to the song, showcasing his ability to infuse classic tracks with his own style.
7. Don’t Knock My Love & Pt. I
“Don’t Knock My Love” is a song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1971. The song was co-written by Pickett and Brad Shapiro. It became one of Pickett’s successful hits, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is notable for its energetic and soulful performance by Wilson Pickett. It features a dynamic arrangement, with Pickett’s passionate vocals accompanied by a tight band and lively instrumentation.
There is also a Pt. I and Pt. II version of the song, with each part having its own unique arrangement and musical elements. This was a common practice in the soul and funk genres during that era, where songs were split into multiple parts for release.
“Don’t Knock My Love” showcases Pickett’s ability to deliver powerful and emotive performances, contributing to his legacy as one of the prominent figures in soul music.
8. In The Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is a classic soul song written by Wilson Pickett and Steve Cropper. It was originally recorded by Wilson Pickett and released in 1965. The song has since become one of Pickett’s signature hits and a timeless classic in the soul and R&B genres.
“In the Midnight Hour” is an energetic and upbeat soul anthem by Wilson Pickett. Released as a single, the song features Pickett’s powerful and soulful vocals, backed by a tight rhythm section and prominent horns. The lyrics express themes of love and desire, and the infectious groove of the song contributed to its widespread popularity. The iconic opening guitar riff, played by Steve Cropper, is instantly recognizable, and the song has been covered and celebrated by various artists over the years. “In the Midnight Hour” remains a cornerstone of Wilson Pickett’s catalog and a classic in the history of soul music.
9. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally” is a classic soul and R&B song that was written and first recorded by Sir Mack Rice in 1965. However, it is perhaps best known for the popular cover by Wilson Pickett, released later the same year. The song has become a staple in the soul and rock genres and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
“Mustang Sally” is a lively and energetic song that tells the story of a young woman named Sally who is urged to slow down and enjoy life. Wilson Pickett’s version, in particular, is characterized by its infectious rhythm, soulful vocals, and the memorable call-and-response between Pickett and his backing singers.
The song features prominent horns, a driving rhythm section, and Pickett’s dynamic vocal delivery. The catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make “Mustang Sally” a favorite for live performances and a classic in the realm of soul and R&B music. The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its status as a timeless classic.
10. Engine Number 9
“Engine Number 9” is a funk and soul song originally recorded by Wilson Pickett. It was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Wilson Pickett’s version was released in 1970 as a single and later included on his album “Right On.”
“Engine Number 9” is a groovy and uptempo funk track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s energetic vocals. The song features a driving rhythm, a funky horn section, and Pickett’s signature soulful delivery. The lyrics refer to a train journey, and the overall feel of the song captures the energy and excitement associated with soul and funk music of that era.
While “Engine Number 9” may not be as widely known as some of Pickett’s other hits, it remains a notable example of his versatility as an artist and his ability to infuse different musical styles into his repertoire. The song has also been covered by other artists over the years.
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.
