outstanding piece. I had only recently learned the spiritual origins of “Land of 1000 Dances.” And as an Allman Brothers Band historian, Wilson Pickett and FAME have a special place in my heart. 3 years after this, Duane would convince Pickett to record “Hey Jude,” which earned Duane a contract and chance to form the ABB.
the OG sideman appearance for Duane. it all hinges on that one track. As a hippie and a man, Duane & Pickett couldn’t go out to dinner with the FAME crew and that’s when Duane convinced him to cover Hey Jude.
Don’t mean to take over your space, but this one hit pretty close for me.
With soul music, my bias always skews towards Stax/Volt artists (Otis is my “greatest ever” pick) and this article is such a loving tribute to one of the greatest. Wilson and Otis were such young men with voices that sounded older, wiser, weathered. Beautiful story here.
Among the many great descriptions: "Coming right behind Pickett are affirming stabs on the organ by Spooner Oldham. Moman, Cogbill (on bass here) and Hawkins cook up a groove that matches Pickett’s firmness." That gets right into the heart of the thing without any musicological pretense. You just Hit it: On the One. These are two of my favorite albums, not a slack moment on either.
Thank you, Wayne! I really appreciate the kind words. Those albums pack a whole lot into 30 minutes of music - 'The Exciting Wilson Pickett' and 'The Wicked Pickett' capture exactly what is being heard.
Wilson Pickett could really bring it. There was no one like him. You really gave him his due in this piece. Damn, I have not heard that Tams song in a few light years!
I wrote a post about Muscle Shoals, the studio where he did those songs.
Thanks for head's up - I checked out the post and subscribed to your Substack!
outstanding piece. I had only recently learned the spiritual origins of “Land of 1000 Dances.” And as an Allman Brothers Band historian, Wilson Pickett and FAME have a special place in my heart. 3 years after this, Duane would convince Pickett to record “Hey Jude,” which earned Duane a contract and chance to form the ABB.
Thanks so much. Oh yes, one of Allman's may notable sideman appearances.
the OG sideman appearance for Duane. it all hinges on that one track. As a hippie and a man, Duane & Pickett couldn’t go out to dinner with the FAME crew and that’s when Duane convinced him to cover Hey Jude.
Don’t mean to take over your space, but this one hit pretty close for me.
Not at all - Duane Allman is an important part of the Pickett story as well as that of FAME's.
With soul music, my bias always skews towards Stax/Volt artists (Otis is my “greatest ever” pick) and this article is such a loving tribute to one of the greatest. Wilson and Otis were such young men with voices that sounded older, wiser, weathered. Beautiful story here.
Thanks so much - I appreciate it. Been a Pickett fan for ages as well as a lover of Otis Redding.
Among the many great descriptions: "Coming right behind Pickett are affirming stabs on the organ by Spooner Oldham. Moman, Cogbill (on bass here) and Hawkins cook up a groove that matches Pickett’s firmness." That gets right into the heart of the thing without any musicological pretense. You just Hit it: On the One. These are two of my favorite albums, not a slack moment on either.
Thank you, Wayne! I really appreciate the kind words. Those albums pack a whole lot into 30 minutes of music - 'The Exciting Wilson Pickett' and 'The Wicked Pickett' capture exactly what is being heard.
Land of a thousand dances is...IT.
It sure is - a desert island song for me. I remember hearing it first when I was very young and amazed that a song would be that funky and soulful.
Wilson Pickett could really bring it. There was no one like him. You really gave him his due in this piece. Damn, I have not heard that Tams song in a few light years!
Thanks so much Marco!
You are welcome Robert. Well done.