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.
Sunny
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
The dark days are gone, and the bright days are here,
My Sunny one shines so sincere.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way.
Now I feel ten feet tall.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see.
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z.
My life was torn like a wind-blown sand,
And the rock was formed when you held my hand.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face.
Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows its grace.
You're my spark of nature's fire,
You're my sweet complete desire.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain
This opening line of the song "Sunny" by Wilson Pickett sets the tone for the song. It is a metaphorical representation of how the singer's life was filled with sadness and misery (rain). However, when Sunny (the person) smiles at him, he feels a glimmer of hope and the pain eases away. This marked a transition in his life where the dark days are gone, and the bright days are here.
As the song continues, he goes on to thank Sunny for the good things she has brought into his life, such as the sunshine bouquet which can be interpreted as happiness and positivity. He acknowledges how Sunny has given her all to him, and as a result, he feels tall and confident. She has been a source of strength to him and has helped him see the truth about his life. In the end, he reiterates how Sunny is his sweet complete desire, and he loves her.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
My life was tough and filled with sorrows before I met you.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
Your smile brought me joy and made my life better.
The dark days are gone, and the bright days are here,
My life has taken a turn for the better, and I'm happy now.
My Sunny one shines so sincere.
I'm grateful for the positivity you bring into my life.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
You are sincere and true, and I have nothing but love for you.
Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Thank you for the happiness and joy you bring me.
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way.
Thank you for making me feel loved and appreciated.
You gave to me your all and all.
You always give your best to me with no holding back, and I appreciate that.
Now I feel ten feet tall.
You make me feel great and full of confidence.
Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see.
Thanks for showing me the reality and truth in life.
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z.
Thank you for educating me and bringing knowledge into my life.
My life was torn like a wind-blown sand,
My life was chaotic and unstable before you came along.
And the rock was formed when you held my hand.
You gave me stability and support, and I'm grateful for that.
Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face.
Thank you for always being happy and positive.
Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows its grace.
Thank you for shining your light on me and being graceful in your love.
You're my spark of nature's fire,
You are the one that ignites my passion and inner fire.
You're my sweet complete desire.
You're everything I need and desire in life, and I'm grateful to have you.
Sunny one so true, I love you.
You are honest and genuine, and I truly love you.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby Hebb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind