WILSON PICKETT - WILSON PICKETT DIES

Legendary soul singer WILSON PICKETT died yesterday (19JAN06) after suffering a heart attack. He was 64.

Pickett, who had been in ill health over the last year, passed away in a Virginia hospital close to his home.

He is best known for his hits MUSTANG SALLY and IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR.

Born in Pratville, Alabama, Pickett found fame as a teenager in the 1960s after joining THE FALCONS. He sang on their number one single I FOUND A LOVE.

After signing a solo deal with Atlantic Records, Pickett wrote the classic track In The Midnight Hour with guitar great STEVE CROPPER, which was released in 1965.

Hits including Mustang Sally, FUNKY BROADWAY, LAND OF 1,000 DANCES and SHE'S LOOKING GOOD followed. In total, Pickett scored five number one US R+B singles.

In 1991, Pickett was frequently name-checked and had his music covered in the movie THE COMMITMENTS. The same year he was inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

His last studio album, IT'S HARDER NOW, was released in 1999.

Pickett will be buried next to his mother in Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by his fiance and four children.