March 18, 1941 Wilson Pickett, R&B singer and songwriter, was born in Prattville, Alabama.

In 1955, Pickett moved to Detroit, Michigan where he joined a gospel group and developed his forceful, passionate style of singing.

In 1959, he joined The Falcons who’s biggest success was “I Found a Love” (1962). Soon after, Pickett went solo and in 1963 had his first success as a solo artist with “It’s Too Late.” Over the next few years, he had a number of hits, including “In the Midnight Hour” (1965), “Mustang Sally” (1966), “Funky Broadway” (1967), “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You” (1970), and “Don’t Knock My Love” (1971).

In 1999, Pickett was nominated for a Grammy Award for his album “It’s Harder Now.” In 1991, Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1993 he received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Pickett died January 19, 2006.