One of the most popular black singers of the 60s, Wilson Pickett helped introduce the aggressive, rhythmic style of black music to a wide audience and has influenced almost countless rnb artists over the years. It all got started in Prattville, Alabama, where he was raised. Pickett moved to Detroit, Michigan at the age of sixteen, and he made his professional debut spending several years singing with the gospel group The Violinaires in the late 50s. From 1961 to 1963, he was in The Falcons, writing and singing their 1962 hit "I Found A Love".
Pickett then went solo and signed with Lloyd Price's Double L Records, where he wrote and recorded "If You Love Me" and "It's Too Late." In 1964, Pickett signed with Atlantic Records and did his early recordings in the Stax studio in Memphis, Tennessee with Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper of The MGs. Cropper co-authored three of his early hits, "In the Midnight Hour" and "Don't Fight It from his debut album The Exciting Wilson Pickett that established him as a major soul star. The album also included "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)," "She's So Good to Me," and "Land of a 1,000 Dances," all recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals.
Pickett then had hits with "Mustang Sally," "I Found a Love," and "Funky Broadway," all recorded in Muscle Shoals. Pickett then teamed with Bobby Womack in 1968 for Midnight Mover that yielded a Top 10 R7B and pop hit with Womack's title song. In 1969, Pickett had a major hit with The Beatles "Hey Jude,", followed in 1970 by "Sugar, Sugar." Later in 1970, Pickett worked with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The result was two crossover hits "Engine Number Nine," and "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You."
After crossover hits "Don't Knock My Love - Part 1" and "Fire and Water" Pickett left Atlantic for RCA, with minimum success. Pickett later recorded for several record companies, including his own Wicked label, but failed to have anymore hits.
Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.In 1999 he performed with his friend Bruce Springsteen.In 2002 he performed in the movie Only The Strong Survive.Singing his classic hits like In the Midnight hour and Land Of 1000 Dances.In 2004 Pickett retired from performing do to Health problems.Pickett told his sister he was going to the field of God but he never recovered.
On January 19,2006 Pickett died of a heart attack at his home. At his funeral long time friend Richard Pennimen (Little Richard) did a eulogy for Mr Pickett with his brothers at his funeral.
Pickett's Personal life was troubled. In 1993 he struck a pedestrian Pepe Ruiz. Later that year Ruiz died. Soul Singer Don Covay called him "Young and Wild". Pickett was arrested many times in his life.
Stagger Lee
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
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And the leaves came tumbling down
I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark
He was barkin' at the two men who were gamblin' in the dark
It was Stagger Lee and Billy, two men who gambled late
Stagger Lee threw seven, Billy swore that he threw eight
"You have won all my money and my brand new stetson hat"
Stagger Lee started off goin' down that railroad track
He said "I can't get you Billy but don't be here when I come back"
Stagger Lee went home and he got his forty-four
Said "I'm goin' to the barroom just to pay that debt I owe"
Stagger Lee went to the barroom and he stood across the barroom door
He said "Nobody move" and he pulled his forty-four
Stagger Lee shot Billy, oh he shot that poor boy so bad
Till the bullet came through Billy and it broke the bartender's glass
The song "Stagger Lee" by Wilson Pickett is a narrative about a man named Stagger Lee who got into an argument with another gambler named Billy. Stagger Lee lost all his money and his hat to Billy who claimed to have rolled an eight while playing with dice. Stagger Lee argued and got angry, and he told Billy that he could not let him go with all the money he won. He then left, warning Billy not to be in the same spot when he returned. Later that night, Stagger Lee went back to the bar with his .44, and he shot Billy in a fit of rage. The bullet went through Billy and also shattered the bartender's glass.
The song tells a story of greed, violence, and revenge. Stagger Lee is portrayed as a ruthless and violent man who is willing to kill someone over a small amount of money. The song also highlights the culture of gambling and violence in the African American community during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Line by Line Meaning
The night was clear and the moon was yellow
It was a beautiful night with a bright, yellow full moon shining.
And the leaves came tumbling down
The leaves were falling from the trees, most likely due to the season.
I was standing on the corner when I heard my bulldog bark
The singer was standing at a street corner when their dog began to bark.
He was barkin' at the two men who were gamblin' in the dark
The dog was barking at two men who were gambling in a poorly-lit area.
It was Stagger Lee and Billy, two men who gambled late
The two men gambling were identified as Stagger Lee and Billy, and they were doing so late at night.
Stagger Lee threw seven, Billy swore that he threw eight
Stagger Lee and Billy were playing a game of chance, and Stagger Lee threw a seven while Billy claims to have thrown an eight.
Stagger Lee told Billy, "I can't let you go with that"
Stagger Lee told Billy that he couldn't leave with the money he won and the hat that Stagger Lee lost to him.
"You have won all my money and my brand new stetson hat"
Stagger Lee confirms that Billy won all his money and his new hat.
Stagger Lee started off goin' down that railroad track
Stagger Lee left and began to walk down the railroad track.
He said "I can't get you Billy but don't be here when I come back"
Before leaving, Stagger Lee warned Billy to not be in the same place when he comes back.
Stagger Lee went home and he got his forty-four
Stagger Lee went home and retrieved a .44 caliber gun.
Said "I'm goin' to the barroom just to pay that debt I owe"
Stagger Lee stated that he was going to the barroom to pay off a debt he owed, likely referring to the money he lost to Billy.
Stagger Lee went to the barroom and he stood across the barroom door
Once at the barroom, Stagger Lee stood in front of the door, blocking anyone who tried to leave.
He said "Nobody move" and he pulled his forty-four
Stagger Lee demanded that nobody make any sudden movements and he pulled out his gun.
Stagger Lee shot Billy, oh he shot that poor boy so bad
Stagger Lee shot Billy, injuring him severely.
Till the bullet came through Billy and it broke the bartender's glass
The bullet that struck Billy went through him and broke a glass that belonged to the bartender.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind