Wilson Pickett was one of soul music's most electrifying performers, renowned for his raw, impassioned vocal style and powerful delivery. Born on March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, Pickett moved to Detroit as a teenager and found himself immersed in the burgeoning music scene. He first gained recognition as a member of The Falcons, lending his voice to the group's hit "I Found a Love" in 1962. But it was as a solo artist that Pickett truly soared, signing with Atlantic Records and releasing a string of hits that would come to define the genre.

His discography includes powerhouse recordings that feature a blend of gospel fervor and the gritty soul of R&B, achieving success with songs like "In the Midnight Hour" (1965), "Mustang Sally" (1966), and "Funky Broadway" (1967). Albums such as "The Wicked Pickett" and "Wilson Pickett in Philadelphia" showcased his dynamic vocal range and his ability to infuse soul music with rock and roll energy, particularly evident in his charged cover of The Beatles' "Hey Jude," featuring Duane Allman on guitar. Pickett's influence extended well beyond his heyday in the 1960s and '70s, as he continued to perform and record, leaving behind a legacy that earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Wilson Pickett passed away on January 19, 2006, but his music remains a lasting testament to his artistry and his indelible impact on the soul genre.

Genres

Classic Soul

Memphis Soul

Soul

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Otis Redding

James Brown

Solomon Burke

Marvin Gaye

Sam Cooke

Al Green

Aretha Franklin

Percy Sledge

The Temptations

Etta James

Eddie Floyd

Bobby Womack

Latest Release

Precious Precious [7" Mix) (Slowed + Sped up + Reverb]

Wilson Pickett

Single - Released January 18, 2024