Wilson Pickett ( March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an African-American R&B and soul singer. Known for his raw, passionate delivery, he was a major figure in the development of Southern soul music.
Pickett was born in Prattville, Alabama, and grew up singing in Baptist church choirs.
He was the youngest of 11 children and called his mother "the baddest woman in my book", telling historian Gerri Hirshey: "I get scared of her now.