glad & sorry

Soul, R&B, R&R legend Wilson Pickett died of a heart attack in Virginia on Thursday. He was 64.

His life could have been a movie. A preacher’s grandson, Wilson was youngest of 11 children who were raised by an abusive mother. He started out in gospel music (accompanying Sam Cooke) and eventually joined doo-wop groups before going solo and recording at the legendary Stax studios with Booker T and the MGs.

Many feel that his music inspired the movie The Commitments. His biggest hits, Mustang Sally and In the Midnight Hour were featured prominently in the movie as well as the soundtrack.

Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.