How Did Wilson Pickett Impact The World

Have you ever noticed how many famous people have come from the state of Alabama? Have you ever just sat down and thought about it? I found out that one of the men whose songs my father still listens to is from this state. His name is Wilson Pickett. Wilson Pickett’s music made an impact on the music world a long time ago. His life, his music and his success has contribute a lot to the state of Alabama. Wilson Pickett was born March 18, 1941 in Prattville, Alabama. He grew up singing in Baptist church choirs. Wilson was born the fourth child out of 11 children. His childhood was not happy. His mother, Lena, beat him regularly which compelled him to run away from home several times. Pickett eventually left to live with his father in Detroit at 14. There, Pickett performed on street corners with other singers. In 1955, Pickett put together the Violinaires, a gospel group. A move to a new band and different musical genres led to success for Pickett. He embraced the evolution of gospel into soul/R&B in part because he saw the greater potential for financial success. In 1959, Pickett was asked to join the Falcons. This R&B group already had a hit single with "You're So Fine," before Pickett

He had some success with a song he co-wrote, "If You Need Me," in 1963. Another version of the song was recorded and released by Solomon Burke around the same time. While Burke found more success with his version, Pickett's take on the song attracted attention as well. The success of "If You Need Me" and several other minor hits led to Pickett signing with Atlantic Records in 1964. His years with Atlantic proved to be the most fruitful of his career. In the mid- to late 1960s, he had a string of hit singles including "Mustang Sally," "634-5789," "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," "Funky Broadway," and "Land of 1,000 Dances." Pickett was most identified with "In the Midnight Hour," which he co-wrote with Steve