Get ready to dance, shout, and feel the soul — it’s Wilson Pickett Wednesday on Blind Tunes!
This playlist is loaded with 10 high-energy classics from one of the most explosive voices in 1960s soul music. Known as “The Wicked Pickett,” Wilson Pickett brought raw power, church-rooted passion, and unstoppable dance grooves that still make people move today.
Blind rank your these timeless Southern soul gems as they hit you.
The Story of Wilson Pickett
Born in 1941 in Alabama, Wilson Pickett rose from gospel roots to become a cornerstone of Southern soul. After moving to Detroit and singing with The Falcons, he signed with Atlantic Records and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. His fiery voice and magnetic stage presence helped define an era.
Fun Fact: In 1966, a young Jimi Hendrix (still early in his career) backed Wilson Pickett on guitar at a private Atlantic Records industry party in New York. There are classic photos of Hendrix playing behind Pickett — a cool early meeting of two future legends.
Standout Trivia
“Land of 1000 Dances” This is one of the ultimate party anthems ever recorded. Pickett’s 1966 version became his biggest pop hit, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Famous for name-checking dozens of dances (“the Pony, the Mashed Potato, the Alligator…”), it perfectly captures the pure joy of 60s dance culture and helped popularize the Muscle Shoals sound.
“In the Midnight Hour” Co-written by Pickett and Steve Cropper, this 1965 classic is pure Southern soul magic. The iconic horn line and groove have made it a staple at parties and weddings for nearly 60 years.
“Mustang Sally” Originally written by Mack Rice, Pickett turned this into a soul classic in 1966. His energetic delivery of the story about a girl who trades in her old car for a fancy Mustang made it one of his signature live songs.
The rest of the playlist keeps that same funky, feel-good energy flowing strong.
Come on and get your Wilson Pickett on — these songs were made for dancing!
Play the Wilson Pickett Wednesday challenge here: https://blindtunes.com/play/SB5EY4
What’s your favorite Wilson Pickett song? Drop it in the comments (no spoilers on today’s ranking!).
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Let’s get funky, y’all! 💃🔥