Wilson Pickett facts for kids
| Wilson Pickett | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | The "Wicked" Pickett |
| Born | March 18, 1941 Prattville, Alabama, United States |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Died | January 19, 2006 (aged 64) Reston, Virginia, United States |
| Genres | R&B, soul, Southern soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1955–2006 |
| Labels | Atlantic, RCA, EMI, Motown |
| Associated acts | The Falcons |
Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter.
A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett recorded over 50 songs which made the US R&B charts, many of which crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100. Among his best-known hits are "In the Midnight Hour" (which he co-wrote), "Land of 1,000 Dances", "Mustang Sally", and "Funky Broadway".
Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, in recognition of his impact on songwriting and recording.
Personal life and honors
Pickett was a popular composer, writing songs that were recorded by many artists, including Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, the Grateful Dead, Booker T. & the MGs, Genesis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Hootie & the Blowfish, Echo & the Bunnymen, Roxy Music, Bruce Springsteen, Los Lobos, the Jam and Ani DiFranco, among others.
Pickett spent the twilight of his career playing dozens of concert dates every year until 2004, when he began suffering from health problems. While in the hospital, he returned to his spiritual roots and told his sister that he wanted to record a gospel album, but he never recovered.
Pickett was the father of 4 children.
In 2005, Wilson Pickett was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
On September 10, 2014, TVOne's Unsung program aired a documentary that focused on Pickett's life and career.
Death
Pickett died of a heart attack on January 19, 2006, in Reston, Virginia. He was 64. He was laid to rest in a mausoleum at Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Pickett spent many years in Louisville. The eulogy was delivered by Pastor Steve Owens of Decatur, Georgia. Little Richard, a long-time friend of Pickett's, spoke about him and preached a message at the funeral. Pickett was remembered on March 20, 2006, at New York's B.B. King Blues Club with performances by the Commitments, Ben E. King, his long-term backing band the Midnight Movers, soul singer Bruce "Big Daddy" Wayne, and Southside Johnny in front of an audience that included members of his family, including two brothers.
