Wilson Pickett was a force of nature—a powerhouse of soul whose voice could shake the rafters and move audiences to their feet. From the 1960s through the 1970s, Pickett dominated the airwaves with a string of electrifying hits that defined the soul genre and cemented his place as one of music’s most dynamic performers. Known for his raw, impassioned vocals and unforgettable grooves, Pickett’s songs became instant classics, blending gospel, R&B, and gritty Southern soul into a style all his own. Whether he was belting out dancefloor anthems or delivering slow-burning ballads, “The Wicked” Pickett never failed to captivate. In this list, we take a look at the top 10 most popular Wilson Pickett songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that made him a legend and continue to resonate with music lovers to this day. From the undeniable groove of “In the Midnight Hour” to the rollicking energy of “Land of 1000 Dances”, these songs are more than just hits—they’re the heartbeat of soul music. So, get ready to dive into the timeless catalog of one of music’s most enduring icons and rediscover the magic of Wilson Pickett at his best.
1. “In the Midnight Hour” (1965)
Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” is one of the defining soul songs of the 1960s. Released in 1965, it marked a turning point in Pickett’s career, highlighting his gritty, passionate vocal style and cementing his status as a key figure in the soul music movement. Co-written with guitarist Steve Cropper, the song was born during Pickett’s time at Stax Records. Its signature groove, inspired by Booker T. & the M.G.’s delayed backbeat, gives the song an irresistible feel that grabs listeners right from the start. The sensual mood and driving rhythm made it a hit, soaring to No. 1 on the R&B charts and breaking into the top 40 on the pop charts. More than just a chart success, “In the Midnight Hour” became an enduring anthem of Southern soul. Pickett’s dynamic vocal delivery, which ranges from a hushed whisper to an explosive belt, showcases his range and emotional depth. Even decades later, the song’s seductive energy and unforgettable groove ensure its place as a classic in American music history.
2. “Mustang Sally” (1966)
“Mustang Sally,” released in 1966, is one of Wilson Pickett’s most iconic tracks and remains a timeless soul classic. Originally written by Mack Rice, the song gained widespread fame thanks to Pickett’s electrifying interpretation. The song’s storyline, centered around a woman who’s more in love with her Mustang than with the narrator, struck a chord with audiences. Its playful chorus—“Ride, Sally, ride!”—became instantly memorable, giving the song an infectious, sing-along quality that quickly turned it into a fan favorite. Pickett’s powerful, soulful delivery paired with a tight rhythm section made “Mustang Sally” a staple at parties, live performances, and jukeboxes everywhere. The song climbed to No. 6 on the R&B charts and crossed over into the pop charts, further cementing its legacy as one of the great soul hits of the 1960s. Even today, “Mustang Sally” is a crowd-pleaser, often covered by other artists, and remains synonymous with Wilson Pickett’s unmatched energy and vocal prowess.
3. “Land of 1000 Dances” (1966)
In 1966, Wilson Pickett unleashed an energetic storm with his version of “Land of 1000 Dances.” Originally written by Chris Kenner, Pickett’s rendition took the song to new heights, adding an intensity that made it an instant hit. Its catchy “na na na na na” chant became a cultural phenomenon, one of those irresistible moments in music that people couldn’t help but join in on. The song itself is a celebration of the popular dance crazes of the time, name-dropping moves like the Pony and the Mashed Potato. What sets Pickett’s version apart is its raw energy—driven by a powerful horn section, a pounding beat, and Pickett’s commanding vocals. This blend of sounds made the track a rousing anthem, reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The infectious energy of “Land of 1000 Dances” turned it into a dancefloor favorite and cemented Pickett’s reputation as a force in 1960s soul.
4. “Funky Broadway” (1967)
Wilson Pickett’s “Funky Broadway,” released in 1967, was a groundbreaking track, not only for its infectious groove but for the fact that it was the first song with the word “funky” in its title to hit the pop charts. Originally penned by Arlester “Dyke” Christian, the song takes listeners to a place called Broadway, a metaphorical street where life is “funky” in every sense—full of rhythm, energy, and spirit. With its bold horns, tight rhythm section, and Pickett’s gritty, powerful vocals, “Funky Broadway” is a masterclass in the fusion of soul and the emerging sound of funk. The song hit No. 1 on the R&B charts and solidified Pickett’s status as one of the most exciting and dynamic performers of his era. The track’s swaggering groove and raw energy make it one of the standout recordings of Pickett’s career and a key moment in the evolution of funk music.
5. “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” (1966)
Wilson Pickett’s “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.),” released in 1966, is a perfect blend of smooth vocals and a driving R&B groove. Written by Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd, the song features a catchy, easy-to-remember phone number that became synonymous with Pickett’s cool, confident persona. The lyrics tell the story of a man offering his love and companionship to any woman in need, simply inviting her to call 634-5789. Backed by brass-heavy instrumentation and tight production from Stax Records, the track quickly became a hit, climbing to No. 1 on the R&B charts and making a crossover into the pop charts. Pickett’s dynamic vocal performance, paired with the irresistible rhythm, made “634-5789” a classic of the soul genre. Its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics ensure its place in the pantheon of R&B hits, and it remains a beloved track for both longtime fans and new listeners.
6. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1970)
Released in 1970, “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a soulful track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s knack for delivering profound messages through his music. The song’s central theme is a classic cautionary tale—things aren’t always as good as they seem, even if the grass looks greener on the other side. With its infectious groove and Pickett’s commanding vocal performance, the song quickly became a hit, climbing to No. 2 on the R&B charts. The gospel-tinged backing vocals and tight rhythm section give the song a sense of urgency, while the catchy hooks make it an instant earworm. Pickett’s ability to deliver a powerful message with such musical energy ensured that “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” became a staple of his live performances. It’s a testament to his ability to blend meaningful lyrics with a groove that’s impossible to resist.
7. “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” (1966)
Wilson Pickett’s 1966 cover of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” brought new life and energy to the song, originally popularized by Solomon Burke. Pickett’s rendition is a fiery, soul-drenched version that amplifies the original’s gospel roots while adding his trademark vocal grit and intensity. The message of the song is simple yet universal—everyone, no matter who they are, needs love. Pickett’s delivery of this message is both urgent and joyful, transforming the song into an anthem for the dancefloor. The track was a hit in both the soul and pop markets, with Pickett’s impassioned vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section, making it a standout version. Decades later, his rendition remains one of the most celebrated versions of the song, thanks to its infectious energy and heartfelt message.
8. “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” (1966)
“Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” is a 1966 soul classic that showcases Wilson Pickett’s gospel roots and his ability to deliver a powerful message through music. The song’s message is clear: giving anything less than 100% isn’t enough, whether in love or in life. With its driving beat, punchy horn section, and Pickett’s intense vocals, the track became an instant hit on the R&B charts. The gospel-inspired call-and-response structure adds an element of spirituality, while the high-energy instrumentation keeps the song rooted firmly in the realm of soul. “Ninety-Nine and a Half” is a testament to Pickett’s ability to take simple, relatable themes and turn them into powerful musical statements. It’s a standout track in his discography and a shining example of the gospel influence that shaped much of his work.
9. “Engine Number 9” (1970)
Released in 1970, “Engine Number 9” is one of Wilson Pickett’s most infectious and funky tracks. The song tells the story of a man chasing after a runaway love, using the metaphor of a speeding train to capture the urgency and heartbreak of the pursuit. The song’s propulsive beat, driven by an insistent bassline, makes it one of Pickett’s most danceable tunes, while his passionate vocals add an emotional depth that elevates the track beyond just a catchy groove. “Engine Number 9” climbed the R&B charts, becoming a hit thanks to its irresistible energy and Pickett’s raw vocal power. The song remains a favorite among soul and funk enthusiasts alike, with its blend of rhythm, emotion, and energy making it a standout in Pickett’s catalog.
10. “Don’t Knock My Love” (1971)
“Don’t Knock My Love,” released in 1971, was one of Wilson Pickett’s last major hits, and it’s a track that oozes confidence and style. The song’s theme revolves around defending one’s love against judgment and criticism, and Pickett delivers the message with a cool swagger that’s hard to ignore. Backed by a tight rhythm section and lush horns, Pickett’s performance is both passionate and defiant, making it clear that he won’t stand for any negativity about his love. The song’s funky groove and catchy chorus helped it climb to No. 1 on the R&B charts and break into the pop charts as well. “Don’t Knock My Love” is a fitting closer to this list, as it represents the culmination of Pickett’s ability to blend funk, soul, and R&B into a sound that was uniquely his own.
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.
