OR

source: wikipedia.org
18 Mar, 1941
19 Jan, 2006
Heart attack
American
Singer
64
Wilson Pickett, an American singer and songwriter, was a highly influential figure in the realm of soul and R&B music during the 1960s. Born in Prattville, Alabama, in 1941, he grew up honing his vocal skills by singing in Baptist church choirs. Growing up in the heart of the South, he was exposed to the rich sounds of gospel, blues, and R&B, which would heavily influence his musical style. Pickett’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence were shaped by the likes of gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.
In 1955, Pickett relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where he became a member of a gospel group called The Violinaires. Eventually, he transitioned into secular music and formed his own vocal ensemble named The Falcons. In 1962, The Falcons achieved a Top Ten R&B hit with “I Found a Love,” showcasing Pickett’s impressive vocal range and captivating stage presence.
Wilson Pickett then embarked on a solo career and secured a record deal with Atlantic Records in 1964. Collaborating with esteemed producers like Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and Bert Berns, he honed his musical craft. In 1965, he recorded at Stax in Memphis, a pivotal moment that would define the sound of Southern soul. It was during this time that Pickett released his iconic hit, “In the Midnight Hour,” a song that solidified his status as a soul powerhouse and became an anthem for generations to come.
Renowned for his dynamic stage presence and reputation for being challenging to work with, Pickett earned the moniker “The Wicked Pickett.” Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, he enjoyed a string of chart-topping hits. Songs like “634-5789,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Funky Broadway” became instant classics and solidified Pickett’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. He also garnered multiple Grammy nominations and was ultimately inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Pickett also collaborated with a wide range of artists. He recorded early songs by Bobby Womack and worked with Duane Allman as a session guitarist on his hit cover of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.”
However, as musical preferences evolved and personal challenges arose, Pickett’s career declined in the late 1970s. Despite making several attempts at comebacks during the 1980s and 1990s, he was unable to recapture his former level of success. Tragically, Pickett passed away from a heart attack in Reston, Virginia, in 2006 at the age of 64.
Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett
Male
Heart attack
Prattville, Alabama, U.S.
Reston, Virginia, U.S.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991)
National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2015)
Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.