NEW YORK — Wilson Pickett, the soul pioneer best known for the fiery hits "Mustang Sally" and "In The Midnight Hour," died of a heart attack Thursday in a Reston, Va., hospital, according to his management company. He was 64.
Chris Tuthill of the management company Talent Source said Pickett had been suffering from health problems for the past year. Pickett lived in Ashburn, Va.
"He did his part. It was a great ride, a great trip, I loved him and I'm sure he was well-loved, and I just hope that he's given his props," Michael Wilson Pickett, the singer's son, told WRC-TV in Washington after his death.
Pickett — known as the "Wicked Pickett" — became a star with his soulful hits in the 1960s. "In the Midnight Hour" made the top 25 on the Billboard pop charts in 1965, and "Mustang Sally" did the same the following year.
"A fellow Detroiter, Wilson Pickett was one of the greatest soul singers of all time," Aretha Franklin said. "He will absolutely be missed. I am thankful that I got the chance to speak to him not too long ago."
Pickett was defined by his raspy voice and passionate delivery.