Wilson Pickett was an influential American soul singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Born on March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, Pickett became known for his powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and emotive delivery.
Pickett began his music career as a member of several gospel groups before transitioning to rhythm and blues in the late 1950s. He joined the group The Falcons in 1959 and gained attention for his electrifying performances and distinctive voice. In 1963, Pickett embarked on a solo career and signed with Atlantic Records, where he achieved his greatest success.
Throughout the 1960s, Pickett released a string of hit singles, including “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Land of 1000 Dances.” These songs became anthems of the soul music genre and established Pickett as one of its leading figures. His dynamic vocals, raw energy, and gritty style set him apart from his contemporaries and earned him widespread acclaim.
Pickett continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1970s, including collaborations with other artists such as Duane Allman and Bobby Womack. Despite personal and professional challenges, including struggles with substance abuse and legal issues, Pickett remained a respected and influential figure in the music industry.
Wilson Pickett’s impact on soul music is undeniable, and his contributions to the genre have left a lasting legacy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and is remembered as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. His soulful voice, electrifying performances, and timeless hits continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
1. In the Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is a classic soul song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965. It was written by Pickett himself, along with Steve Cropper, a guitarist for the Stax Records house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s. The song became one of Pickett’s signature hits and is regarded as one of the greatest soul songs of all time.
“In the Midnight Hour” features a driving rhythm, punctuated by a prominent horn section and a catchy guitar riff. Pickett’s powerful and gritty vocals add to the song’s intensity, while the infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it a favorite for dancing.
The lyrics of “In the Midnight Hour” speak of longing and desire, with Pickett expressing his eagerness to be with his lover “in the midnight hour.” The song’s universal theme of romantic yearning resonated with audiences and helped propel it to the top of the charts.
“In the Midnight Hour” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It has since been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the realm of soul music.
2. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally” is a rhythm and blues (R&B) song written by Sir Mack Rice. It was first recorded by Wilson Pickett in 1966 and has since become a classic in the R&B and rock genres.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man addressing his girlfriend, Sally, urging her to slow down her wild ways and settle down. The titular “Mustang” refers to the iconic Ford Mustang car, symbolizing Sally’s desire for freedom and excitement.
“Mustang Sally” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Commitments, Buddy Guy, and Eric Clapton. The song’s catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite for live performances and a staple on classic rock and R&B radio stations. It’s often associated with driving and freedom, making it a popular choice for road trip playlists.
3. Land of 1,000 Dances
“Land of 1,000 Dances” is a classic soul and R&B song originally written and recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962. However, it was Wilson Pickett’s cover of the song in 1966 that became the most famous version and a staple in soul music.
Pickett’s rendition of “Land of 1,000 Dances” is characterized by its energetic and infectious rhythm, featuring a driving beat, prominent horns, and Pickett’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics describe various dance steps and encourage listeners to join in the celebration.
The song’s iconic chorus, which repeats the phrase “na na na na na,” is instantly recognizable and has made it a popular anthem for parties and dance floors. Pickett’s impassioned delivery and the song’s irresistible groove have cemented its status as a classic in the soul music genre.
“Land of 1,000 Dances” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Pickett’s signature songs. It has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its place in popular culture as an enduring classic.
4. 634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” is a soul song originally performed by Wilson Pickett. It was released in 1966 as a single and later appeared on his album “The Exciting Wilson Pickett.” The song was written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper, both of whom were associated with the legendary Stax Records.
The title of the song refers to a telephone number and the area code for Memphis, Tennessee, which is often referred to as “Soulsville” due to its rich musical heritage and its association with soul music. The lyrics tell the story of a man who finds a phone number written on a wall and decides to call it, hoping to reach his lover.
Musically, “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” features a catchy rhythm, a lively horn section, and Pickett’s signature energetic vocals. The song has a driving groove that is characteristic of the soul music of the era, and Pickett’s dynamic performance adds to its infectious energy.
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It became one of Pickett’s most popular songs and remains a beloved classic in the realm of soul music.
5. Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a soul song performed by Wilson Pickett. Released in 1971, the track appeared on his album “Don’t Knock My Love.” Written by Jerry Akines, John Colbert, and Wilson Pickett himself, the song became one of Pickett’s notable hits during the early 1970s.
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a cautionary tale about the perils of being deceived by appearances. The lyrics advise listeners not to be fooled by outward appearances or material possessions, as they can often conceal hidden troubles and disappointments. Pickett’s soulful delivery and emotive performance bring depth and authenticity to the song’s message.
Musically, “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” features a lively and infectious groove, driven by a funky rhythm section, horns, and Pickett’s dynamic vocals. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout track in Pickett’s repertoire, showcasing his ability to blend soul, funk, and rhythm and blues into a cohesive and compelling sound.
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” was well-received upon its release and became a hit on the Billboard R&B chart, reaching the top 10. It remains a beloved classic in the realm of soul music, cherished for its timeless message and infectious energy.
6. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a rhythm and blues song written by Arlester “Dyke” Christian. It was first recorded by Dyke and the Blazers in 1966. The song’s catchy groove and energetic vocals made it a hit on the R&B charts and a favorite among dancers.
The lyrics of “Funky Broadway” celebrate the lively atmosphere of a street called Broadway, where people come to dance and have a good time. The song’s infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo invite listeners to join in the fun and get down on the dance floor.
Over the years, “Funky Broadway” has been covered by various artists and has remained popular in the funk and soul music genres. Its lively beat and spirited lyrics continue to make it a favorite for parties, dance clubs, and retro playlists.
7. She’s Lookin’ Good
“She’s Lookin’ Good” is a soul song originally performed by Wilson Pickett. It was released in 1968 as a single and later appeared on his album “I’m In Love.” The song was written by Roger Bowling and Dallas Frazier.
“She’s Lookin’ Good” is a lively and energetic track that showcases Pickett’s dynamic vocals and his ability to infuse raw emotion into his performances. The lyrics celebrate the beauty and allure of a woman who catches the narrator’s eye, describing her as “lookin’ good” and irresistible.
Musically, “She’s Lookin’ Good” features a catchy rhythm, a driving beat, and a horn section that adds to the song’s infectious groove. Pickett’s passionate delivery and soulful vocal stylings make it a standout track in his discography, capturing the essence of the soul music of the era.
“She’s Lookin’ Good” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It became one of Pickett’s signature songs and remains a beloved classic in the realm of soul music, cherished for its lively rhythm and infectious energy.
8. Don’t Fight It
“Don’t Fight It” is a soul and R&B song originally recorded by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965. It was written by Steve Cropper and Wilson Pickett himself. The song features Pickett’s powerful vocals and energetic performance, accompanied by a driving rhythm section and lively horns.
“Don’t Fight It” became one of Wilson Pickett’s signature songs, known for its infectious groove and catchy chorus. The lyrics encourage the listener to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the rhythm of the music, declaring “don’t fight it, feel it.”
Musically, “Don’t Fight It” captures the essence of the soul music of the era, with its upbeat tempo, soulful vocals, and energetic instrumentation. Pickett’s dynamic delivery and the song’s lively arrangement make it a standout track in his discography and a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
“Don’t Fight It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 5 on the Billboard R&B chart. It remains a beloved classic in the realm of soul music, cherished for its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
9. I’m in Love
“I’m in Love” is a classic soul song originally recorded by Wilson Pickett in 1967. It’s known for its energetic and passionate delivery, typical of Pickett’s style. The song expresses the overwhelming feeling of being in love and the joy it brings.
In “I’m in Love,” Pickett’s powerful vocals are backed by a lively and soulful arrangement, featuring horns, driving rhythms, and infectious melodies. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make it a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
“I’m in Love” has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a timeless classic in the genre. Its universal theme of love and its irresistible groove continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
10. Hey Jude
“Hey Jude” is a classic rock song by The Beatles, released in 1968 as a single and later included on their album “The Beatles,” commonly known as the “White Album.” It was written by Paul McCartney, although credited to Lennon-McCartney, and remains one of the band’s most iconic and beloved songs.
“Hey Jude” is characterized by its memorable melody, uplifting lyrics, and expansive arrangement. The song features McCartney on lead vocals and piano, with backing vocals and instrumentation provided by the other members of the band, including John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
The lyrics of “Hey Jude” were inspired by McCartney’s desire to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian, during the breakup of Lennon’s marriage to Cynthia. The song’s message of hope and encouragement is evident in its chorus, which repeats the refrain “na-na-na-na” and encourages the listener to “take a sad song and make it better.”
“Hey Jude” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of The Beatles’ best-selling singles. Its lengthier runtime, innovative production, and memorable sing-along chorus set it apart from the band’s earlier work and solidified its status as a classic in the rock music canon.
Over the years, “Hey Jude” has remained a favorite among fans of The Beatles and is often regarded as one of the greatest songs ever recorded. Its universal message of love, empathy, and resilience continues to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a timeless anthem of hope and unity.