Shake, Rattle and Roll - The Musical Biography of Wilson Pickett

Music is an art that transcends boundaries and brings people together. And when it comes to soul music, very few artists can match the impact and influence of Wilson Pickett. Known as the Wicked Pickett, his soulful voice and powerful performances made him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. In this blog post, we take a look at the musical biography of Wilson Pickett, from his humble beginnings to his most famous albums and songs.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, Wilson Pickett grew up singing in Baptist church choirs. At the age of 16, he moved to Detroit to live with his father. In the early 1960s, Wilson joined a group called The Falcons, where he sang lead on the hit song I Found a Love. This song caught the attention of record label executives, which led to his first solo recording contract.

The Atlantic Years

Wilson Pickett's most notable recordings were on Atlantic Records, starting with In the Midnight Hour in 1965. This song became an instant hit and placed Pickett at the forefront of the soul music scene. From there, he produced other hits like Land of 1000 Dances, Mustang Sally, and Funky Broadway. He was influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Little Richard, and his music had a raw and gritty edge that made people want to dance.

Collaborations

Wilson Pickett had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most influential artists of his time. He worked with Duane Allman, who played slide guitar on Hey Jude, and Aretha Franklin, who provided background vocals on his hit song Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You. He also worked with Eddie Floyd on 634-5789 and with Steve Cropper on In the Midnight Hour.

Legacy

Wilson Pickett's music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans. His style of soul music was unique and had a profound impact on other artists. His songs continue to be covered and sampled in various genres, from rock to hip hop. In 1991, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his legacy continues to live on to this day.

Wilson Pickett will always be remembered as a soul music icon. His voice captured the essence of the genre and his performances were legendary. He paved the way for other artists and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his early days with The Falcons to his collaborations with other artists, he never lost his passion for music. As we look back on his life and career, we can see the impact he made on music and how his legacy continues to influence artists today.

Wilson Pickett will always be remembered as a soul music icon. His voice captured the essence of the genre and his performances were legendary. He paved the way for other artists and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his early days with The Falcons to his collaborations with other artists, he never lost his passion for music. As we look back on his life and career, we can see the impact he made on music and how his legacy continues to influence artists today.