Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter. A major figure in the development of soul music, Pickett recorded more than 50 songs that reached the U.S. R&B charts, many of which also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100. Among his best‑known hits are “In the Midnight Hour” (which he co‑wrote), “Land of 1000 Dances,” “634‑5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.),” “Mustang Sally,” “Funky Broadway,” “Engine No. 9,” and “Don’t Knock My Love.” Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 in recognition of his impact on songwriting and recording. Pickett was born on March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, and sang in Baptist church choirs. He was the fourth of eleven children and described his mother as “the baddest woman in my book,” telling historian Gerri Hirshey: “I get scared of her now. She used to hit me with anything, skillets, stove wood … [one time I ran away and] cried for a week. Stayed in the woods, me and my little dog.” Pickett eventually left Alabama to live with his father in Detroit in 1955. Pickett’s forceful, passionate vocal style was shaped in the church and on the streets of Detroit, influenced by artists such as Little Richard, whom he called “the architect of rock and roll.” In 1955, Pickett joined the gospel group the Violinaires, touring the United States with another gospel ensemble. After four years with the group — and inspired by gospel singers who had moved into the more lucrative secular market — Pickett joined the Falcons in 1959.
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In the Midnight Hour
Hey Jude
Mustang Sally
I Found A Love
Ninety-Nine And A Half
Sugar Sugar
It’s A Groove
if you need me
I’m In Love
Something You Got
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