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Died Age: 64

source: wikipedia.org

Wilson Pickett

Birthday:

18 Mar, 1941

Date of Death:

19 Jan, 2006

Cause of death:

Heart attack

Nationality:

American

Famous As:

Singer

Age at the time of death:

Early Life and Musical Influences

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.

Move to Detroit and Early Career

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.

Solo Career and Rise to Fame

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.

Wilson Pickett's Quote's

“You can talk about all the great guitarists you want Jimi Hendrix or whoever but as far as I'm concerned, Duane Allman is the best. No one ever played like him.”
“If you leave God and go to the devil, you're going to go to hell.”
“Detroit, my lord, what a place.”
“If you get the disco or rap format on the radio, an R&B record doesn't fit, because it will break up the mood.”
“You see, I wanted to sing gospel, but I wanted to make me some money, too.”

The “Wicked Pickett” and Chart-Topping Success

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.

Collaborations and Artistic Partnerships

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.”

Decline and Later Years

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.

Profile Snapshot

Name:

Wilson Pickett

Popular Name:

Wilson Pickett

Gender:

Male

Cause of Death:

Heart attack

Spouse:

Bonnie Covington

Place of Birth:

Prattville, Alabama, U.S.

Place of Death:

Reston, Virginia, U.S.

Occupation / Profession:

Singer

Songwriter

Personality Type

Entrepreneur: Wilson Pickett was a logical individual who preferred to follow his own judgment rather than listen to others.

Wilson Pickett's Interesting Facts

He was a major star in Ghana.

Wilson Pickett’s favorite hobby was boating and fishing.

He tried his hand at Disco music in the ‘70s but failed from a sales standpoint.

Achievements & Awards

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991)

National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2015)

Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

External Links

Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_Pickett

Additional Links

https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/wilson-pickett https://www.allmusic.com/artist/wilson-pickett-mn0000677781 https://www.rhino.com/article/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-wilson-pickett https://www.16personalities.com/estp-personality https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/wilson-pickett-quotes

Real Celebrities Never Die!

Search For Past Celebrities Whose Birthday You Share

Wilson Pickett

Birthday:

Date of Death:

Cause of death:

Nationality:

Famous As:

Age at the time of death:

Early Life and Musical Influences

Move to Detroit and Early Career

Solo Career and Rise to Fame

Wilson Pickett's Quote's

The “Wicked Pickett” and Chart-Topping Success

Collaborations and Artistic Partnerships

Decline and Later Years

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