When you talk about soul music royalty, Wilson Pickett is a name that demands instant respect. A powerhouse of raw emotion, fiery vocals, and unstoppable groove, Pickett helped shape the sound of 1960s and ’70s R&B with a voice that could shake the rafters and lyrics that cut straight to the heart. From the sweaty Southern studios of Muscle Shoals to the iconic halls of Stax and Atlantic Records, he laid down some of the most electrifying tracks in music history. Whether he was howling about late-night love or tearing up the dance floor with infectious energy, Pickett never gave less than everything—and the results were unforgettable.
In this countdown, we’re diving headfirst into the top 10 most popular Wilson Pickett songs of all time—the hits that defined a genre, inspired generations, and continue to move bodies and souls to this day. These aren’t just tracks; they’re cultural landmarks. So crank up the volume, clear some space to dance, and get ready to relive the raw power and soul-shaking brilliance of one of music’s most legendary voices. From “In the Midnight Hour” to “Mustang Sally,” these are the sounds of Wilson Pickett at his very best. Let’s ride!
1. “In the Midnight Hour” (1965)
When Wilson Pickett unleashed “In the Midnight Hour” in 1965, he wasn’t just delivering a song—he was delivering a soul manifesto. Co-written with Steve Cropper and recorded at the legendary Stax Studios in Memphis, this track became the quintessential Southern soul anthem. The groove is instantly hypnotic, built around a slow-burning horn section and a backbeat that was deliberately delayed to match the way teenagers danced at the time. Pickett’s vocals are nothing short of electrifying—controlled yet bursting with emotion, as he pleads to meet his lover “in the midnight hour.” It’s seductive, heartfelt, and soaked in bluesy longing. The song reached No. 1 on the R&B chart and became Pickett’s breakout hit, crossing over to the pop charts and cementing his place as a major voice in American music. What makes this track immortal isn’t just its irresistible rhythm or its influence on countless artists—it’s the way Pickett commands every second of it. He doesn’t just sing the song; he owns it. “In the Midnight Hour” remains a masterclass in soul storytelling, where passion meets precision, and it’s still one of the most iconic recordings to ever come out of the 1960s soul explosion.
2. “Mustang Sally” (1966)
“Mustang Sally” roared onto the scene in 1966 as Wilson Pickett’s high-octane rendition of Sir Mack Rice’s original 1965 tune—and it quickly became one of the most iconic tracks of the soul era. Pickett’s version injected the song with a gritty, irresistible swagger, transforming it from a fun R&B number into a timeless anthem of liberation and attitude. The premise is simple: a woman gets a Mustang and hits the road, leaving her man behind. But in Pickett’s hands, it’s more than that—it’s a celebration of freedom, independence, and the open road. Backed by the tight musicianship of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, the track pulses with a steady groove, sharp horns, and Pickett’s commanding vocals that shift from playful to pleading in a heartbeat. His repeated cry of “Ride, Sally, ride!” is pure soul adrenaline. While it peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, its true legacy lies in its enduring popularity. From movie soundtracks to bar jukeboxes, “Mustang Sally” has never gone out of style. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to drive fast, dance harder, and sing louder—and that’s exactly the kind of magic Wilson Pickett was built to deliver.
3. “Land of 1000 Dances” (1966)
If there’s one song that captures the uncontainable energy of Wilson Pickett, it’s “Land of 1000 Dances.” Released in 1966, this track is a full-on explosion of rhythm and soul, turning a fairly obscure 1962 Chris Kenner tune into a chart-topping, floor-shaking phenomenon. From the instant Pickett belts out the legendary “na na na na na” intro—an improvised vocal riff that became the song’s signature hook—you’re pulled into a whirlwind of horns, handclaps, and unstoppable momentum. Recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, the song is a frenzied celebration of dance culture, name-dropping a parade of moves like the Pony, the Jerk, and the Watusi. But it’s not just about the dances; it’s about how Pickett makes you feel them. His vocal performance is a masterclass in controlled chaos—gritty, joyful, and relentlessly powerful. The single stormed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 6, and has since become a soul standard. Whether blasting from a vintage jukebox or hyping up a modern-day party, “Land of 1000 Dances” still gets people moving. It’s not just a song—it’s a call to action. And when Wilson Pickett makes the call, you better believe you’re going to dance.
4. “Funky Broadway” (1967)
When Wilson Pickett dropped “Funky Broadway” in 1967, he didn’t just deliver a hit—he made history. Originally written and recorded by Dyke & the Blazers, Pickett’s version turned up the heat and became the first song with the word “funky” to chart on Billboard. From the opening guitar riff, you know you’re in for something raw, rhythmic, and rebellious. Pickett’s voice tears through the mix like a man possessed, delivering streetwise lyrics about city life and party scenes with unmatched conviction. The song’s groove is thick and greasy, driven by tight drums, punchy horns, and a bassline that won’t quit. It captures a moment when soul was morphing into funk, and Pickett stood at the crossroads, holding the torch with swagger. Lyrics like “Down on Broadway, that’s where the funky people go” paint a vivid picture of urban nightlife, and Pickett delivers them with a mix of grit and glee. The song hit No. 1 on the R&B chart and cracked the Top 10 on the Hot 100, becoming one of Pickett’s biggest hits. “Funky Broadway” isn’t just a jam—it’s a time capsule of soul music pushing its boundaries. Funk was coming, and Pickett helped pave the way.
5. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1971)
By 1971, soul music was evolving, and Wilson Pickett proved he could evolve with it on “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You.” This track marked a shift from his raw Southern grit toward the smoother, more polished Philly soul sound that was beginning to dominate the charts. Produced by Gamble and Huff in Philadelphia, the song features lush instrumentation, silky backing vocals, and a slick groove that frames Pickett’s unmistakable voice in a whole new light. But don’t mistake polish for softness—Pickett still sings with fire. This time, though, it’s more controlled, more introspective. The lyrics offer cautionary wisdom about not being fooled by surface appearances—especially in matters of love. It’s a grown-up kind of soul, rooted in experience and reflection. The track climbed to No. 2 on the R&B charts and became one of Pickett’s most successful songs of the ’70s. It’s a powerful example of how Pickett could adapt without losing the essence of what made him great. With “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You,” he proved that soul wasn’t just about shouting and sweating—it was also about storytelling, subtlety, and style. And man, did he deliver.
6. “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” (1966)
If soul music had its own hotline, it would be “634-5789.” Released in 1966 and co-written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper, this track is Wilson Pickett at his most confident and charismatic. From the very first note, the groove is irresistible—backed by the tight rhythm section of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the song is wrapped in smooth horns, crisp guitar licks, and a swing that won’t quit. The lyrics are playful and inviting: Pickett offers his phone number (fictional, of course) with the promise that he’ll be there to ease your heartache and loneliness. It’s part love song, part soul seduction, and all Pickett. His delivery is so persuasive and dynamic, you almost want to dial the number yourself. The track topped the R&B chart and cracked the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of his most enduring hits. What makes “634-5789” so special is how effortlessly it blends warmth with swagger. It’s flirtatious without being cheesy, smooth without losing grit—a balance only Wilson Pickett could strike. Decades later, the number remains etched in music history, an unforgettable slice of soul that still makes you want to call up love, Pickett-style.
7. “Hey Jude” (1969)
Covering a Beatles classic is no easy feat, but Wilson Pickett didn’t just cover “Hey Jude” in 1969—he completely reimagined it. Where the original was tender and restrained, Pickett’s version is a gospel-fueled explosion of soul. Recorded at Muscle Shoals and featuring a then-unknown Duane Allman on guitar, this cover opens with quiet intensity before erupting into a full-blown emotional outpouring. Pickett takes Paul McCartney’s delicate ballad and infuses it with deep Southern fire, wailing and shouting with the fervor of a Sunday preacher. His voice cracks and soars, wringing every ounce of feeling from each line, especially during the cathartic “na-na-na” outro. Allman’s searing guitar solo fuels the intensity, creating a jaw-dropping synergy that helped launch his career and elevated Pickett’s artistry to new heights. Although it didn’t chart as high as some of his other hits, “Hey Jude” became one of Pickett’s most respected recordings—praised by critics and revered by musicians for its emotional depth and daring creativity. It’s a perfect example of how Pickett could take any song, no matter how iconic, and make it unmistakably his own. His “Hey Jude” isn’t just a cover—it’s a soul revival.
8. “I’m in Love” (1968)
With “I’m in Love,” released in 1968, Wilson Pickett showed a softer, more vulnerable side—without sacrificing an ounce of soul. Written by Bobby Womack, the song is a heartfelt confession wrapped in silky horns and a simmering groove. Pickett’s vocal performance here is restrained yet emotionally rich, dripping with sincerity as he declares his newfound happiness. It’s a stark contrast to his more aggressive hits, proving that the Wicked Pickett could croon just as powerfully as he could shout. The production, handled by the legendary Tom Dowd, is clean and elegant, allowing the emotion to take center stage. The track hit No. 4 on the R&B chart and found crossover success on the pop charts as well. Interestingly, Aretha Franklin would later record her own hit version of the song, but Pickett’s remains a definitive take—raw, honest, and deeply soulful. “I’m in Love” captures that rare moment in soul when passion turns inward, revealing genuine tenderness beneath the tough exterior. It’s one of those hidden gems that stands out not for its volume, but for its vulnerability. If you ever doubted Pickett’s range, this track will make you a believer.
9. “Engine Number 9” (1970)
By 1970, Wilson Pickett was diving deep into funk-infused soul, and “Engine Number 9” is a locomotive of fire and fury. From its opening guitar riff to the relentless groove underneath, this track barrels forward with unstoppable momentum. Co-written by Pickett and Daryl Carter, the song tells the story of a man desperately searching for his runaway lover, hoping to find her on “Engine Number 9” heading down the Southern Line. It’s a metaphor-rich narrative delivered with urgency, as Pickett howls over the pounding rhythm and blazing horns. His voice is gravelly, passionate, and fully committed, turning a simple train chase into a full-blown emotional journey. The song became a hit on both R&B and pop charts, and remains one of his most dynamic recordings from the early ’70s. Funky guitar licks, syncopated drums, and Pickett’s sheer vocal power make “Engine Number 9” feel like a runaway train of heartbreak and hope. It’s soul music with grit, sweat, and speed—a perfect example of how Pickett could turn heartache into high-octane art. Buckle up—this one doesn’t slow down.
10. “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” (1966)
“Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)”, released in 1966, is Wilson Pickett at his most passionate and determined. Written by Pickett, Steve Cropper, and Eddie Floyd, the track is a fiery demand for total commitment in love—because “ninety-nine and a half just won’t do.” It’s a bold declaration, wrapped in a driving rhythm, tight horn arrangements, and Pickett’s signature vocal grit. The song walks the line between gospel fervor and romantic frustration, and Pickett sells every word with conviction. You can hear the preacher in him, testifying about love with a voice that’s as commanding as it is soulful. Recorded at Stax Studios, the track features Booker T. & the M.G.’s in peak form, delivering a groove that’s both infectious and insistent. Though it didn’t chart as high as some of his other hits, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances. Its message is timeless—settling for less than everything just isn’t enough—and Pickett delivers it like a man who means every syllable. “Ninety-Nine and a Half” is more than a love song; it’s a soul sermon with a beat that won’t quit and a voice that demands your full attention.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
