[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF WILSON PICKETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY BRIGHT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. BRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to recognize the 
life and artistic contributions of a son of the Second District of 
Alabama--Wilson Pickett. Pickett was born March 18, 1941, in 
Prattville, Alabama, and first developed his musical talents singing in 
local Baptist church choirs. Despite a difficult childhood, Pickett 
used his undeniable talent to begin performing gospel music 
professionally and soon transitioned into soul and R&B music, joining 
the Falcons in 1959. Pickett quickly gained recognition for his 
songwriting skills as well as his powerful and distinctive voice. While 
Pickett was successful with various singles in the early sixties, he 
achieved his first national chart-topping single with the hit ``In the 
Midnight Hour'' in 1965. This hit launched Pickett onto the soul and 
R&B scene and his Billboard success continued with such hits as ``Land 
of 1,000 Dances,'' ``Mustang Sally,'' and ``Funky Broadway.''
  In acknowledgment of his unique contributions to American soul and 
R&B music, Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of 
Fame in 1991. Wilson Pickett remains an integral part of the rich 
musical heritage of Southeast Alabama that includes Hank Williams, 
Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and Nat King Cole. Pickett passed away in 
2006 and left behind a legacy of soulful melodies and gifted 
songwriting that will be enjoyed by his legions of fans for many years 
to come.

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