Thursday, June 09, 2022

From the Vault: Nitty Gritty Days


This is adapted from a Selection from Our Vault. Writ on the passing of Wilson Pickett in 2006.

 Wilson Picket was the first soul singer I heard, and the most direct, and the guy who got me into the thing. Wilson Pickett. I died in front of 40 people 0nce trying to replicate Mustang Sally. It isnt possible. 

His is irreproducible art. Midnight Hour was an oldie. But it was totally different than any other. Tried and failed to replicate that as well.  The thing is that the time and the place become one with the feel. I'd listen to those records waiting for the Marlin ride to the Gritty.

Wilson Pickett Poem

My room in the house on North Bay Drive
Waiting for Bob La France to pick me up in the Long Red AMC Marlin
All anticipation in the night of Nitty Gritty
Playing Wilson Pickett's Greatest Hits in the anticipation
Eyeballing a zit in the truth-telling mirror
Getting psyched When Everybody Needs Somebody shook the radio
Entering the long dark dusty archive - Soulville - to get the 45.
And I Found a Love. 634-5789 - A Racine Exchange!
If you have ever heard If You Need Me wailing on little car speakers then you know what I am talking about.
Rest, Soul man-  rest in peace.
Take me way way back.

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