Soul legend, Wilson Pickett, died today from a heart attack at a hospital 
near his home in Virginia.  He was 64 years old.

Known as the "Wicked Pickett, " for his unique vocal style as well as his 
intensity on and off stage, the singer helped shaped modern Rhythm & Blues.

Born March 18, 1941 in Pratville, Alabama, his talents were weaned singing 
gospel in Southern Baptist churches.  As a teen, he moved to Detroit and was 
recruited by The Falcons, a vocal group that became a proving ground for future 
R&B stars, including Eddie Floyd and Sir Mack Rice.  Pickett's screaming 
gospel-fired lead vocals on "I Found A Love" brought The Falcons a major hit in 
1962, and he soon left the group to pursue a solo career. 

Pickett rose to international fame in 1965 after signing with Atlantic 
Records and releasing the single "In The Midnight Hour," a song he co-wrote.  The 
power of his raw, sexual vocals matched with the tones of the deepest musicians 
from Stax and Muscle Shoals pumping behind him, quickly distinguished him from 
his peers, and he sustained a long string of hits throughout his career, 
including "Mustang Sally," "634-5789," "Funky Broadway," and "Land of 1000 Dances."

Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, the same 
year he was introduced to younger audiences with the release of the movie, "The 
Commitments." Although he didn't actually appear in the film, the blockbuster 
film centered around the unsuccessful attempts of a fledgling Dublin soul band 
to meet and perform with Pickett, their idol.  He performed with the 
Commitments at the film premiers in Los Angeles and New York to rave reviews.

Pickett maintained a respected performing and recording career for more than 
40 years, until health problems forced him to take a hiatus in 2005.  He 
received a Grammy nomination in 2000 for his power-packed album, "It's Harder Now," 
(Rounder/Bullseye Records, 1999). The album also garnered three WC Handy 
Awards, including Best Soul/Blues Male Artist of the Year. In December, 2004, two 
of his biggest hits, "Mustang Sally" and "In the Midnight Hour" were included 
in Rolling Stone Magazine's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Times."

According to his long-time personal manager, Margo Lewis: "Wilson was a 
consummate entertainer.  He truly loved to perform, and when he took the stage, he 
would give the audience every last bit of energy in his body. The unique sound 
and quality of his voice only got better with age; singing his hits in their 
original keys well into his 60s. He influenced generations of singers and 
musicians. No matter what your age is, his records still pull you out of your seat 
onto the dance floor. Soulful and intense. That was Pickett, the music and 
the man."

Pickett is survived by his devoted fiancé Gail Webb, sons Lynderrick and 
Michael, daughters Veda and Saphan, as well as an extended family of loving 
brothers and sisters.

A viewing is being arranged in Virginia next week, and then he will be 
interred with his mother Lena in Louisville, KY.