Net Worth Ranker
What Is Wilson Pickett’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on January 19, 2006, Wilson Pickett, the iconic R&B, soul, and rock and roll singer, had a net worth estimated at $500,000. This figure reflects his decades-long career in the music industry, encompassing earnings from album sales, singles, live performances, and songwriting royalties.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 18, 1941, in Prattville, Alabama, Wilson Pickett’s early life experiences significantly shaped his musical journey. Growing up with ten siblings, Pickett’s initial exposure to music came through Baptist church choirs, setting the stage for his later ventures into gospel and R&B. In 1955, he relocated to Detroit to live with his father, a move that proved pivotal in his pursuit of a music career. Details on specific schools or addresses from his childhood are unavailable in the provided documentation.
Pickett’s professional career began in 1955 when he joined the gospel group The Violinaires. He toured with them until 1959, gaining invaluable experience in live performance and honing his vocal skills. His transition to R&B came with his joining The Falcons in 1959. It was during his time with The Falcons that Pickett co-authored and sang lead vocals on “I Found a Love,” a minor hit that marked his initial foray into the R&B scene and provided him with the platform to launch his solo career.
Solo Career and Musical Achievements
Wilson Pickett’s solo career officially kicked off with his debut studio album, “It’s Too Late,” released in 1963 on Double L Records. The album and its singles, including the title track which peaked at #7 on the Billboard R&B chart in July 1963, helped Pickett gain visibility in the R&B market. Following the success of “It’s Too Late”, Jerry Wexler and Atlantic Records bought Pickett’s recording contract in 1964, marking a significant turning point in his career.
After moving to Atlantic Records, Pickett released “I’m Gonna Cry”, which he produced himself. Atlantic then paired him with songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and producer Bert Berns, leading to the single “Come Home Baby,” a duet with Tami Lynn that didn’t chart. However, in 1965, Pickett released “In the Midnight Hour” through Atlantic. It topped the Billboard R&B chart and was certified Gold, earning a Grammy nomination. His success continued with “Don’t Fight It,” which peaked at #4, “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.),” which hit #1, and “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do),” which reached #13 on the Billboard R&B chart, all released in 1965. More than 50 of Wilson’s singles made it onto the “Billboard” R&B charts, and his songs frequently appeared on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart as well. His discography includes hit songs like “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” “Funky Broadway,” and “Land of 1,000 Dances.”
His 1966 hit, “Land of 1000 Dances,” reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1967, Pickett had another #1 R&B hit with “Funky Broadway.” This was followed by “Don’t Knock My Love – Pt. I” in 1971. His other top 10 hits on the R&B chart include “I’m in Love” (1967), “She’s Lookin’ Good” (1968), “I’m a Midnight Mover” (1968), “Sugar, Sugar” (1970), “Engine No. 9” (1970), “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1971), and “Fire and Water” (1971).
Throughout his career, Pickett released albums on various labels, including Atlantic, Stax, RCA, EMI, and Motown Records. The specific financial details of his recording contracts, album sales figures, and royalty earnings are not available in the provided sources. Therefore, a detailed breakdown of his income from these sources cannot be provided.
Legal Issues and Personal Struggles
Wilson Pickett’s personal life was marked by challenges, including struggles with cocaine addiction and alcoholism, which led to several run-ins with the law. In 1991, Pickett was arrested for driving on the front lawn of the mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, while intoxicated and making threats. He faced charges for resisting arrest, drunk driving, and refusing to take a breathalyzer test. Some charges were dropped in exchange for his performing a benefit concert.
In 1992, Pickett was involved in a more serious incident when he hit 86-year-old Pepe Ruiz with his car. Authorities reportedly found six empty beer cans and six empty vodka mini bottles in the vehicle. Ruiz later died that year, and Pickett was charged with drunk driving. He pleaded guilty and received a reduced jail sentence of one year and five years of probation after agreeing to attend rehab.
Shortly after the accident, Pickett’s live-in girlfriend alleged that he threw a vodka bottle at her and threatened her life, leading to a judge ordering Pickett to move out of his home. In 1996, he was arrested again for assaulting his then-girlfriend, Elizabeth Trapp, while under the influence of cocaine. Although Trapp declined to press charges, Pickett was charged with cocaine possession. Specific financial consequences or settlements resulting from these legal issues are not detailed in the provided documentation.
Awards, Recognition, and Legacy
Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, solidifying his place among music legends. He also received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award in 1993. His other accolades include inductions into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2012, he posthumously won a 20/20 Award for Best Original Score for “The Commitments”.
During his career, Pickett earned five Grammy nominations: Best R&B Performance for “In the Midnight Hour” (1965), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Funky Broadway” (1967), “Engine #9” (1970), and the re-recording of “In the Midnight Hour” (1987), and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “It’s Harder Now” (1999). While he did not win a Grammy during his lifetime, the nominations recognize the impact and quality of his work. His impact on soul and R&B music has been recognized by these inductions and nominations.
Wilson Pickett died on January 19, 2006, at the age of 64, due to a heart attack in a Virginia hospital. He spent the last year of his life suffering from health problems. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, in a mausoleum, and Little Richard gave the eulogy at his funeral. A tribute concert was held at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York on March 20, 2006, featuring performances by Ben E. King, The Commitments, The Midnight Movers, Southside Johnny, and Bruce “Big Daddy” Wayne.
