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Wilson Pickett Obituary
Chris Tuthill of the management company Talent Source said Pickett had been suffering from health problems for the past year.
"He did his part. It was a great ride, a great trip, I loved him and I'm sure he was well-loved, and I just hope that he's given his props," Michael Wilson Pickett, the fourth of the singer's six children, told WRC-TV in Washington after his death.
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pickett - known as the "Wicked Pickett" - became a star with his soulful hits in the 1960s.
"In the Midnight Hour" made the top 25 on the Billboard pop charts in 1965 and "Mustang Sally" did the same the following year.
Pickett was defined by his raspy voice and passionate delivery. But the Alabama-born picket actually got his start singing gospel music in church. After moving to Detroit as a teen, he joined the group the Falcons, which scored the hit "I Found a Love" with Pickett on lead vocals in 1962.
He went solo a year later.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
578 Entries
Betty Bryant
July 31, 2025
I continue to enjoy his music. He was a phenomenal performer. Gone too soon
Iris Roberts
July 27, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
GARY ORME
October 31, 2019
HE WAS ONE OF A KIND.WHAT A SONG" MUSTANG SALLY".HE WAS TRULY A LEGEND
Diedrich Holtkamp
August 13, 2019
He was part of my best years growing up and coming to America
How you can show support
Filipe James
August 17, 2018
Wilson I miss you I was to young to remember when you died.But I love your music ❤❤❤❤ Rest easy
K Martin
July 3, 2018
You are truely a Legend Wilson Pickett I believe you touched everyone's heart and souls your music will never be forgotten and neither will you
Thomas Gribbins
June 23, 2018
I visited Wilson Pickett's tomb this Thursday, June 21, 2018..The longest day with the most day light hours of the year..In honor of His song.."'Mid Night Hour"", It marks the beginning of summer.
He was great singer, His songs and sounds from the Atlantic Label help create a New Sound, Called Mo-Town..
Rest in peace , Your music will live on forever...
Tom Gribbins
Louisville Ky
Patricia C Thomas
September 9, 2017
A
beautiful wonderful person.I will always love Wilson Pickett!!
Loved all his songs,had a style all of his own,no one can touch it!! Love and miss you.
Rest In Heavenly Peace
Willa Freeman
February 2, 2017
Rest In Peace Still enjoying your music
Joyce Cole
January 19, 2017
Gone to the celestial choir in the heavens.
August 5, 2016
My brother had the pleasure of playing in the band with Wison Pickett!
Shirley Carter
July 20, 2016
Wilson Pickett was one of a kind even though he is gone his music will live on. Taken too soon. Continue to rest in peace.
Valenda Newell
July 8, 2016
This man is a TRUE SOUL SINGER. There's just no faking it, no one can sing like this man. THANKS FOR BLESSING THE FANS WITH YOUR VOICE...........LOVE and PEACE
March 8, 2016
I still play his music today. He is one of my favorite singer. My God rest his sole.
debra dean
November 26, 2015
To the sister that worked at G E . You always said i want u to meet my brother Wilson picket . I moved away. I been listening to his Music ever since god bless
Bonnie
September 15, 2015
He was the best of all the Motown legends.
Harry Simpson
January 19, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Edward Senu-Oke
November 9, 2014
What a marvelous run, and he took his gig back to Africa to pay homage to his roots. May Almighty God preserve his soul in eternity.
- Edward O. Senu-Oke (Badagry, Nigeria)
Meredith Johnson
September 11, 2014
You will always have a place in my heart!!! Loved all of your songs!!!!!!!!!!!
tisha golden
September 10, 2014
Rest in peace
Amin. J Abdullah
September 10, 2014
REST IN PEACE
Cacarol Jordan
September 10, 2014
I loved Wilson Pickett, I think I was the only 13 year old listening to Wilson Pickett in my hood back in the day. I am a 52 year old today and Wilson is still one of my most favorite singers. I love every song that Wilson Pickett made. I just happened to be watching Unsung featuring Wilson Pickett as I type my thoughts, brought back a lot of old memories of Wilson songs. God Bless
Ann
September 7, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
nadine nichols
November 25, 2013
Wilson you remain apart of my childhood memories and when I think of childhood and young adulthood you are always with me.Just love your music and I hope before you left you did go back to your Christain roots.As I know you sang Gospel even better.
S Lovelace
October 15, 2013
Today for some odd reason i woke up thinking of Wilson he was a big part of my childhood. I will never forget the WICKED!!!
nancy hanley
September 12, 2013
One of my all-time favorite singers. Wilson and Levi Stubbs are way up on the scale. I'm sorry, but folks today do not come close to Wilson's caliber; he is very much missed by me. I will never forget hearing on WHYN (Spfld, MA) "Midnight Hour" when the DJ musta gone on a long break; that poor 'lil 45 spun around with a big glitch in it. This went on for hours, "In the midnight, in the midnight, in the midnight," seemingly indefinitely. (I think if Wilson had known about it, he'd have got a good laugh!) Later on in the early 80's, I saw Wilson in Cambridge, MA. It was a small venue, so that was cool (saw Jr. Walker there, too.) Just bought "The Very Best of Wilson Pickett." Brings you right back to the mid-60's and 70's in a heartbeat!
August 4, 2013
Met Wilson in my teens when he was singing gospel. Also went to hear him sing at The Uptown Theater in Philly. Love his singing. He's greatly miss
BETTIE MAE SMITH
July 7, 2013
I LOVE YOU I MISS YOU UNCLE PICKETT
Clara Bell
December 10, 2012
My God how I miss Wilson Pickett! I loved all of his songs. When I was 12 years old I would play " Danger Zone ", over and over. And though he has passed on I am not tired yet of listening to his music. RIP Wilson Pickett.
Patricia Pickett-Holcey
September 5, 2012
He was truly a great force in the music industry. May He rest in peace and enter into God's kingdom.
Love to the remaining love ones...
De'borah Lockwood-Wise
August 31, 2012
Wilson is one of my all-time FAVORITE singers! He had the most Soulful voice, the voice of an angel and he was a GREAT entertainer! I know you are singing with them in Heaven right now. I appreciate your selfless contributions to the music industry and your many fans all over the world including me. R.I.P Wilson. ALWAYS remembered, NEVER forgotten!!
De'borah Lockwood Wise (Atlanta, Ga.)
Jeff Mathews
March 12, 2012
I had the urge, as I do sometimes, to hear some real singing by one the old time greats. Tonight Wilson Picket came to mind. As I started listening to some of his hits, via computer, I realized how much I miss this guy. Years have passed but the great sounds of the Wicked Pickett lives on. Thank you for sharing your gift. RIP
Shavon Anderson
September 10, 2011
Wilson Pickett was a phenomenal singer and entertainer. My parents were big fans of his music and now I am rediscovering it. My father died a day after Mr. Pickett. So I am sending this candle to the family to let them know he still living through all of us and he holds a special place in my heart.
Shavon Anderson
September 10, 2011
Wilson Pickett was a phenomenal singer and entertainer. My parents were big fans of his music and now I am rediscovering it. My father died a day after Mr. Pickett. So I am sending this candle to the family to let them know he is still living through all of us and he holds a special place in my heart.
steve baker
September 2, 2011
great singer, a true king of soul music.
MARY JO YOUNG
July 26, 2011
OH THE MIDNIGHT HOUR AND MUSTANG SALLY SLOW THAT MUSTANG DOWN ILOVE THOSE SONGS RIP WILSON PICKETT
Karen Jordan
October 18, 2010
I continually run You're the one, Mustang Sally and Midnight Hour through my mind. More precious as I am a widow whose " Stacy Adams" man sang your songs with soul and gusto. Heaven is having a party, handsome man.
March 10, 2010
" To the Family" His music was a part of the times. I enjoyed him in my teens and I am re-discovering him in my later years. You never heard of any bad talk about Wilson Pickett. I just pray he went back to his gospel roots before passing...Belva Gardner
JOHN FALK
January 16, 2010
100% SOUL MADE IT HAPPEN WITH STYLE&CLASS. R.I.P. BIRDOFSTONE
A Guest
January 15, 2010
To the Family ~ Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it, and memories of their laughter and smile. These are gifts of love that are ours to keep. Though I do not know the family, I would like to extend my condolences. May the tender mercy that God has always shown be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone. And may the prayers of others help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day. Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. - Isaiah 41:10 & 13.
James Kuhfal
March 24, 2009
Dear Wilson and family we are late signing this book, but I remember when my Husband was so sick and Wilson called to check on him. We have appreicated that thoughtful gesture for 9 years. Thank you again and may you all find peace in your memories and his thoughful ways. Love Sincerely James and Bonny Kuhfal Vallejo CA
Janet Schmidt
January 1, 2009
You'll never be far from my mind, and you'll always be in my heart.
MARVA PRINGLE
October 18, 2008
THANKS FOR THE MUSIC.. FROM THE PRINGLE FAMILY
R.J. Richardson
September 1, 2008
I grew up with Wilson Pickett music.And he is missed to day.I am still off into the old school music.
Nazarene McKinney
August 31, 2008
I used to sit on my front porch as a child and watch the adults driving and walking to the local Juke Joint. Once there, I knew In the Midnight Hour woudl fill the air for all to enjoy.
Isaiah 25:8 He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wioe the tears from all faces. May Jehovah comfort your dear ones.
H Saleem
April 4, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the passing of the Sweet Soul Man,Mr Wilson Pickett.All praises to Allah for all the Great music that was produced by Mr.Wilson Pickett down through the years.The sweet soul music of this Brother will live on.
marshall jones
September 4, 2007
wilson always one of my favorites,i keep a c.d. in my car NOW.you are missed.
Mick Laslo
August 18, 2007
One of my Brother Garys favorites.Sing one for him Wilson.You are both in a better place!
Irham Ceco
May 17, 2007
Back in the olden days of Former Yugoslavia, my dad had a Wilson Pickett record... Gone with the war, but I do remember. Not much, but just enough for a belated prayer for the soul of a great artist.
Greetinks from Bosnia!
ALFREDDIE MITCHELL AND FAMILY
January 3, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Gary Whitfield
January 2, 2007
You're in a better place. Sing on my brother.
Catherine Fann-Middleton
January 2, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rob White
December 16, 2006
now you can sing with the angels
RIP
Lowanda Lee
November 11, 2006
You will be missed, R.I.P. I grew up listening to your music. My prayers go out to your family...
Shirley Thomas
September 25, 2006
To the Pickett Family-
Though you will miss Wilson, rest in knowing that he is well loved - still. I grew up dancing to his songs. When his song came on, no one could be still. His presence was strong. May God continue to give the family strength.
Marlene James
September 23, 2006
I remember my first song I sang was Mustang Sally, from there I took off being a soloist. I'll miss your music, and the way you expressed yourself..Your a truly be remembered.
July 22, 2006
i think he was very nice R.I.P my brother.
Maxwell Pickett Jr.
July 17, 2006
To my uncle Wilson,
You will be missed. Looking at your picture even now, still makes me feel that I'm looking at my own father. Your love for music is in me, and your smile is being passed down to generations after you (Maxwell Pickett III). To the rest of the family and mostly Wilson's children, please stay strong and focused. You are still a part of greatness. Love always. Mickey
NWANNE UMUNNA
June 25, 2006
I LOVE YOUR SITE
[email protected]
Trudie Mostella
June 21, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Annette Hilton
June 11, 2006
To The Wicked Wilson Pickett:
I remember my twin sister and I having to play your music for my Mother and her friends, when we were just young girls, at the age of 7 and 8 years old. You are the Man of The Midnight Hour! Although you are gone, your Legacy will still live on.
Margaret Parker
June 6, 2006
Since I was little girl I can remember hearing the soulful sound of Mr. Wilson Pickett. As I got older I always wanted to hear his music.You could see his smile through his music. Even when their may have been things he was going through. I pray strength for his family. His legacy will live on for all generations. God Bless you always.
DEBORAH COOK
May 2, 2006
TO THE FAMILY OF WILSON PICKETT,
PLEASE EXCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE AND PLEASE KNOW THAT GOD HAS SPECIAL PLANS FOR WILSON AND ALL OF US THAT LOVE HIM AT REVELATIONS 21:3&4.
SINCERELY,
Greg
April 5, 2006
Great Job
[email protected]
Todd Colbert
February 25, 2006
Much Love Wilson,I will miss your music.But,You is in a better place.Rest in peace
DONALD BISSON
February 23, 2006
MISSED MUSIC LIVES ON !!!!!
Curtis Gunter
February 19, 2006
As A Young Man, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. wilson Pickett at one of his concerts, at the Freeport Inn In, Freeport Long Island. It was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. I will never forget him. He was a true legent. He will be miss by all.
Mr. Curtis Gunter.
Grace Shannon
February 16, 2006
My prayers go out to the Pickett Family. I have been and was a fan for many, many years. May God Bless and keep you in his arms.
Jim Maklary
February 15, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Pickett family. We have lost one of the greatest R&B performers, ever. He will never be forgotten.
Veronica Wynn
February 14, 2006
He was from an era when singers were
real singers. Their songs had meaning and sent positive messages.
This era of music is slowly fading
away -- His kind of music will be
missed -- May GOD give him eternal
peace --
PETER PICKETT
February 10, 2006
TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE WILSON PICKETT MY CONDOLENCE TO ALL THE ENTIRE FAMILY. HE'S IN HEAVEN NOW IN A PEACEFUL PLACE SINGING WITH THE ANGELS.GOD BLESS.....
Gwendolyn Rafter
February 5, 2006
Mustang Sally Man, keep signing in heaven.
marie nolbert
February 5, 2006
I was most sad to hear another angel has gone home however, I remember a song of his and will always remember him daily when
I drive my 1966 mustang I'll be singing Mustang Sally, Midnight Hours and on and on
My prayers are with all of his family including the old schooler's like myself .
JOHN 'BO' SHARPE
February 2, 2006
Wilson will always be a true
legend in the industry.He will be
missed dearly. And as he goes to the Land of a thousand Dances a know God will not wait until the Mid nite hour to welcome him in.
From all the Guys in H.A.L.O.
GOD BLESS WILSON PICKETT
Dolores Gardon-McQueen
February 1, 2006
Wilson will truly be missed around the world. I have always enjoyed listening and dancing to his music. I Found A Love was just one of his songs that really mellowed me out. I had the pleasure of meeting W.P. at The Celeberity Club in Freeport, New York back in the late sixties or early seventies.
My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. May God bless.
Willie Mae and David Thompson
February 1, 2006
To Wilson Picket Family:
We are so sorry for your lost. Pickett will never be forgotton. We have his music and his love for his Family still here. Lilly and Larry and family will really miss him. Love Alway ,We will never forget him.
Willie Mae (Clay) Thompson and David Thompson and Family(Clays. Wilson, Murphy, Summers,Radford)
Todd & Iris McClorn
February 1, 2006
May God bless the Picket family
The McClorn's
Otis Myers
January 31, 2006
This is your cousin Otis, but you always called me Kicker. Well buddy, you had a great life and career and now you have laid down to rest. You were the best, because God gave you a talent to serve the people of the world, and you did that. Your work is done down here on this old earth and now you have moved up to a better place. I remember when you worked in the cotton fields in (Billees) in Prattville, AL, and singing thoses old gospel songs with your Granddaddy (Rev. Jackson). I always wanted to sing like you. I did my share with what the Lord gave me. Thanks for all you have done for me.You will be missed, but you are in a better place, where you will see many faces you have known all your life. Remember you (Wilson Pickett) were the best.
Love
Otis
Carolyn Howard
January 31, 2006
Another soul has joined the heavenly choir, rejoicing and steping in high praise. Sing on and dance that holy dance Wilson. Rejoice and be glad.
JOE CUTCHINS JR
January 30, 2006
WILSON WAS MY MUSICAL IDOL. HE WAS SUCH A RAW TALENT WHO DELIVERED HIS SOULFUL MESSAGE FROM THE DEPTH OF HIS HEART AND SOUL. I'M JUST GRATEFUL TO HAVE SANG AND PLAYED HIS MUSIC THROUGHOUT MY OWN MUSICAL CAREER. AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD HIS MESSAGE THROUGH SONG AND POETRY. HEAVEN REJOICES UPON HIS ENTRY TO SHARE ETERNITY WITH ALL OF THE OTHER SOUL ICONS WHO'VE GONE ON BEFORE HIM.
Slim lambright
January 30, 2006
Listen:
"I'm gonna wait till the stars come out, to see that twinkle in your eye" Wilson Pickett
Pure poetry!
You'll see him again in Your Midnight Hour. God bless you and keep you in His pocket, Wilson. Slim L.
Eunice Davis
January 30, 2006
His songs were part of the fabric of my life, the soundtrack of my life from In the Midnight Hour, released while I was in elementary school, to Engine Engine Number Nine, released while I was in high school , His Soulful performances will be remembered. To his family and those special to him, his talents and musical contributions will never be forgotten.
stacy willingham
January 30, 2006
AS I'VE SAID BEFORE, ANOTHER OLD SCHOOL LEGEND GONE.....BOY! THE LORD IS CALLING ALL THE LEGENDS HOME!....PEOPLE TAKE NOTE AND NOTE IT WELL!
THE WICKETT PICKETT!....THE GOOD OL' DAYS OF GROWING UP LISTENING TO HIS MUSIC--HE ALSO STAKED HIS CLAIM TO FAME. HIS MUSIC WILL CARRY ON THROUGH THE SANDS OF TIME, AND IN
THE MIDNIGHT HOUR!................
TO THE PICKETT FAMILY, YOU HAVE OUR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES, GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANK YOU WILSON PICKETT FOR THE MEMORIES!!.........
MUCH LOVE FROM THE WILLINGHAM FAMILY
willie schofield
January 30, 2006
WE ARE ALL A SPIRIT,A BODY AND A SOUL.WILSON PICKETT WAS OF A HIGHLY SELECT GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT WERE ABLE TO SHARE THIER SOUL.HE SHARED HIS SOUL THROUGH HIS GOD GIVEN TALENTS OF SINGING,SONG WRITING AND STAGE PERFORMANCES.I ESPECIALLY WILL MISS YOU,YOUR BROTHER IN SONG (I FOUND A LOVE)WILLIE SCHOFIELD (BASS SINGER OF THE FALCONS).
paulette WILLIAMS
January 29, 2006
TO WILSON PICKETT JR FAMILY:
GOD WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES, AND DEATH SHALL BE NO MORE, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANGUISH SORROW AND MOURNING, NOR GRIEF, NOR PAIN ANY MORE. FOR THE OLD CONDITIONS, AND THE FORMER ORDER OF THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY (REV: 21:4) YOU HAVE MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY, AND THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE.
Michael James
January 29, 2006
The "Midnight Hour" has Come, we must all prepare for the "Midnight Hour", however, this "Midnight Hour" is one in which we become one with the Almighty, living forever in his Glory. I can only imagine how the Heavenly Choir Sounds Now, it has yet another soulful voice to build it's harmony.
MR. & MRS. ANTHONY PALMER
January 29, 2006
SLEEP ON, SING ON WILSON. WE KNOW THAT LOU, SAM, TYRONE, LUTHER, MILTON AND EVERYBODY IN SOUL HEAVEN HAVE WELCOMED YOU WITH OPEN ARMS
Alfred and Olivia Webster, Jr.
January 28, 2006
To: the Pickett family, Earth have no sorrow that Heaven cannot live. Mr. Pickett was truly a great legend. We are praying for the family. Stay Strong in the Lord.
Gloria Bouldin
January 28, 2006
To the Wilson Pickett Jr. family my prayers goes out to you may God continue to keep you. I lost a brother and I know what you are going through,it will get better buy and buy keep looking up. The Bouldin,& The Owens Family Decatur, Ala
jacqueline dooley
January 28, 2006
You have my heartfelt sympathy, on your loss of such a great human being.
Mary Dunlap
January 28, 2006
Big fan, sorry for your loss
Mary J
Curtis Gunter
January 28, 2006
I was At one of concert in Freeport Long Island, at aplace call the highway Inn. At a young teenager, it was a monment I would forget. He is one of the best singer I ever known. All of his record had a meaning to it. I will never forget him.
Your Truly,
Mr. Curtis Gunter
Ps. It would be nice to see one of his children follow his legent.
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