# Wilson Pickett

> American male singer and songwriter (1941-2006)

**Wikidata**: [Q312270](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312270)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_Pickett)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wilson-pickett

## Summary
Wilson Pickett (1941–2006) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and composer who played a pivotal role in the development of soul and rock music. Known by the nickname "The Wicked" Pickett, he was a prolific recording artist for Atlantic Records and RCA Records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his enduring impact on popular music.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 18, 1941
- **Died**: January 19, 2006 (also recorded as January 16, 2006)
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Known for**: Soul and rock music performance, songwriting, and composition
- **Employer(s)**: Atlantic Records, RCA Records
- **Field(s)**: Music, Entertainment

## Contributions
Wilson Pickett was a major force in the mid-20th-century music industry, beginning his professional career around 1955. As a composer and songwriter, he authored music that helped define the soul genre, characterized by its roots in rhythm and blues and gospel. He was a prominent member of the musical group The Falcons before achieving significant success as a solo artist. His work at Atlantic Records contributed to the label's mission of bringing African American musical traditions to mainstream global audiences. Over a career spanning five decades, he produced a vast catalog of recordings that influenced the trajectory of both soul and rock music.

## FAQs
**What musical genres is Wilson Pickett known for?**
Wilson Pickett was primarily a soul singer, but his work also significantly intersected with rock music. He was active as both a performer for listening audiences and a songwriter/composer who authored music in various forms.

**What were Wilson Pickett’s most notable professional affiliations?**
Pickett was a member of the vocal group The Falcons and later signed with major labels including Atlantic Records and RCA Records. His contributions to the industry led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

**What are some of Wilson Pickett's other names or aliases?**
He was widely known by the professional nickname "The Wicked" Pickett. Formal records and international databases also refer to him as Wilson Pickett Jr., Wilson Picket, and Gulielmianus Pickett.

## Why They Matter
Wilson Pickett was a foundational figure in soul music, known for a raw and powerful vocal delivery that bridged the gap between R&B and mainstream rock. His association with Atlantic Records helped cement the label's reputation for high-quality artist development and cultural influence during the 1960s and 70s. By successfully navigating the transition from group harmony in The Falcons to a solo career, he became a model for soul vocalists. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizes his role in breaking down racial barriers in the music industry and his lasting influence on subsequent generations of rock and soul performers.

## Notable For
*   **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee**: Recognized for his significant contributions to the history of rock and soul music.
*   **"The Wicked" Pickett**: Earned one of the most recognizable nicknames in soul music history.
*   **The Falcons**: Member of this influential early vocal group.
*   **Major Label Artist**: Recorded extensively for Atlantic Records and RCA Records.
*   **Prolific Songwriter**: Credited as a composer and author of music across multiple decades.
*   **Longevity**: Maintained a professional work period that began in 1955 and lasted until his death in 2006.

## Body
### Career and Musical Style
Wilson Pickett, born Wilson Pickett Jr. on March 18, 1941, was a definitive American male singer and songwriter. His professional career began in 1955, a period during which he developed a style that would become synonymous with the soul music genre. Pickett was not only a performer but also a composer and songwriter, authoring music that resonated with a wide listening audience. His work is categorized primarily under soul and rock music, reflecting the high-energy, rhythmic nature of his performances.

### Group Membership and Record Labels
Pickett's early career included his membership in the group The Falcons. As he transitioned into a solo artist, he became a central figure at Atlantic Records. Founded in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegün and Herb Abramson, Atlantic Records was a pioneering label for rhythm and blues and jazz. Pickett’s tenure there aligned with the label's most influential years, helping to bring African American musical traditions into the American mainstream. He also recorded for RCA Records, further expanding his reach within the phonographic industry.

### Recognition and Legacy
Pickett's impact on the music world is documented through his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an institution established in 1983 to honor the most influential figures in music history. He is recognized globally across various authority files and databases, including:
*   **MusicBrainz**: fc6214b3-6d82-4803-be74-01ece1723e42
*   **IMDb**: nm0681920
*   **Library of Congress**: n91048204
*   **VIAF**: 12492481

He is also identified by several aliases, such as Gulielmianus Pickett and Wilson Picket.

### Personal Life and Death
Wilson Pickett was the father of four children. He passed away in January 2006, with records citing both January 16 and January 19 as his date of death. His legacy continues through his extensive discography and his role as a primary architect of the soul sound. His life and work are studied as part of the broader history of the United States, particularly regarding the cultural and military influence of American media and the evolution of the federal republic's diverse society.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/pickett-wilson-1941-2006-2/)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Find a Grave
6. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. Discogs
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. IMDb
12. SNAC
13. filmportal.de
14. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/arts/music/20pickett.html)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. CONOR.SI
17. BBC Things
18. ISWC Network
19. Genius API
20. Carnegie Hall linked open data
21. The Movie Database
22. Wilson Pickett Albums: songs, discography, biography, and listening guide - Rate Your Music. Rate Your Music
23. LIBRIS. 2006