If Otis Redding is the passionate soul of rhythm and blues, then surely Wilson Pickett is its fun-loving heart. He belts out one irresistible dance tune after another. Pickett can scream and cry and plead with as much fire and James Brown, and his band just rips it out behind him. It’s loads of fun, the life of the party. Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin may have garnered all the critical acclaim of the era, but most days I’d rather listen to Pickett. His energy is just plain infectious, sure to lift your spirits and get your feet a-tappin’.
This playlist focuses on his peak years, the bulk coming from 1966 and 1967. It’s mostly chronological, although I’ve shifted a few choice hits to the front and back to start and end strong. Check it out. You’ll be cuttin’ a rug, burnin’ up the dance floor.
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