Wilson Pickett died today, succumbing to a heart attack at sixty-four.
I was surprised to find out that he was so young and saddened too--he projected an older and knowing persona way back when in the sixties, my first awareness of him. (The song "Engine, Engine Number Nine" rings in my head even now, likely heard from LA's old R&B station, KGFJ.)
Mr. Pickett's age upon passing is also just a little alarming, as both my mother and my step father will turn sixty-four this year. (They've both had their bouts, but seem relatively hale.) Take care of yourselves, parental units!
And Rest in Peace, Mr. Pickett. Say 'hi' to Mr. Rawls and Mr. Pryor; if you can.
In the early 6o's my older brother was on a major mo-town trip We had the set up in the garage where we could blast it
I remember we had a Wilson Pickett alblum I think the cover had him stepping over a pickett fence {seriously] , Some how I think of this mustang sally song
which wasnt his best stuff but it stands out. I was suprized how young he was too He died too young like alot of them . I wish we could bring back the talent there was in motown and throw rap in the toilet This musics 40 years old and still way better then any modern stuff
Posted by: skinner | January 20, 2006 at 12:16 AM
What I remember most about Wilson Pickett was his absolute fearlessness: he would sing anything, from Randy Newman to the Archies, and he'd make it his own before the bridge, and you probably ought to stay out of his way.
Posted by: CGHill | January 20, 2006 at 05:46 AM
One of my favorites.
Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life | January 20, 2006 at 06:27 AM
He was such a great artist and while I'm hesistant to use the description "crossover" not only was he being played on KGFJ but one could find him played on the two Los Angeles AM rock stations of the era - KHJ and KRLA.
Mustang Sally is the standard I'll always remember from my youth.
Posted by: Darleen | January 20, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Hi, Juliette! My band, Checkered Past, is playing a private gig tomorrow night for almost 1,000 people. "Mustang Sally" is one of our staples, so we will give Mr. Pickett an energetic shoutout.
Posted by: Marty | January 20, 2006 at 06:34 PM
NO YOU DIDN'T say Engine, Engine #9!!! You can't be all jackin my favorite Wicked song!
Posted by: avery | January 29, 2006 at 07:45 AM